Buying a new car: Scion xD vs Veloster / your thoughts

[pikopikito]

Hello everyone!

I recently crashed my '97 Civic LX and am buying a new car. I have looked at many cars* and concluded that the Scion xD and Hyundai Veloster base are cars I would like to finally consider. I would like to know what advantages or benefits the Veloster has over the xD? Why would I buy this over an xD, and are there things you lament with the Veloster from a plain car/commuter point of view?

The price difference is not a big concern for me. What I value is reliability, usability, and well-built craftmanship. I take care of my car religiously (unless I'm crashing it) so ease of maintenance and repair is important. I don't care if the car is automatic of manual. I intend on test driving both cars soon, but since I have low expectations I think either would be decent compared to my last ride.

From my research and impressions:

Veloster

• Good: modern six-speed transmission, cool appearance, more horsepower and torque with better official fuel economy, standard cargo cover, tighter turning radius
• Bad: unnecessary infotainment system/screen, no spare tire, wide expanse of glass in back (which worries me in a rear-end collision, since my friend's head only fit under the glass but not the ceiling)

xD

• Good: easier versatility and use of space, cute appearance, more spartan dashboard and center console, better rear view visibility, smaller size (which will prove better in the city where I will move)
• Bad: outdated automatic transmission (more readily available here), no covered center storage (acts as an armrest too)

I appreciate your help and any contributions you may have. Thanks.

* - I've compared amongst an Elantra GT, Accent hatchback, tC, Spark, Sonic hatchback, Focus and Fiesta hatchbacks, Fit, Mazda3, Impreza hatchback

[AdelaideSRT]

I did several weeks of homework on my Veloster Turbo, and simply couldn't find anything to match it for features, looks & performance including cars in anywhere up to twice the price bracket - I definitely wouldn't have considered a Scion xD, but then the look of that car simply isn't me - that said, if I couldn't find a Turbo I wouldn't have bought a Veloster,. either - I needed more performance than is on offer from the NA. The Australian car has been tuned for Australian roads, and is a considerably different package to that on offer overseas, so I can't really give you much of an idea of how your local product will handle, either - but the Veloster does seem to have love it or loathe it styling, surely the difference in the vehicles must have some input into your choice??

[RPW00Mirage]

i test drove an xD i was unimpressed. toyotas have no soul. especially ugly ones. on your list i would take the veloster, elantra GT, then the sonic and focus.

[jcroscigno]

I had an xA before my VT. Recently sat in an xD at the SF auto show. I have to say, that both the xD and iQ have horrendous interiors in my opinion. While I do like the styling of the blue/black xD option on the outside, my personal experience with Scion/Toyota is that they really cut corners on build quality. My xA was and is super reliable - the only problem we've had in 8 years was a wheel bearing. But the Veloster really does far and away outdo anything Scion offers on the lower end.

[BKamp613]

The only Scions I like are the FR-S and the recently redesigned (barely) TC. There are too many tools that drive TC's around MD though, so I'd never get one. Anyway...

The xD is just boring. Might last a while since it's Toyota, but it's just...meh. I've never liked Toyota/Scion interiors, they're just too plain. Rear-view visibility doesn't bother me on the V; Just adjust your mirrors and turn your head. I back out of my wife's parent's dead-end street all the time. As for the back glass, just have your friend sit up front lol. Not really worried about it.

To be honest, I didn't care for the Veloster's DCT at first. But the more I test drove, the more I appreciated/understood it. Plus the styling is awesome. No other car can match it. I get plenty of looks for it being "just a Hyundai."

Test drive both, buy what you like the best.

[lobo302]

When I bought my Veloster in Oct 2012,I had just looked at a Focus and well the inside was just boring and plastic,my wife and myself just didn't like it,but there was nothing else that was out there.I finally went to Hyundai to look at a Accent and saw a Veloster and was hooked.Not seeing or looked at or test drove a Scion,but from what I've seen and heard I just didn't like it.

As BKamp613 has stated,drive both and judge for yourself.

[DeMarioii]

All I read was civic and than I knew why you were considering the xD. Lol please for the love of god don't get an xD


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[SkyriderAR]

Interesting that you identify the spartan dashboard of the xD as "good" and the infotainment features of the Veloster as "bad" Probably 99 out of a 100 on this forum would reverse those. But what is important here is what you like and expect in a car. Both should be reliable, giving you little trouble. A plus for the V has to be the warranty, which is far better than anything offered by Scion. Good luck with your decision.

[pikopikito]

AdelaideSRT: In this case, I will be purchasing a base 138 hp (103 kW) Veloster, hopefully with manual unless a better deal can be made with an automatic. I think the styling of the Veloster is great, but I think the xD is also great-looking in a much different way: it doesn't attract attention but is handsome enough and I like its dimensions. With the Veloster, I like the back and the cozy back seat set-up, tough admittedly space for passengers is more of an issue than in the xD. Thanks for your input.

[pikopikito]

I just realized I did a quick reply, hence the general loooong post:

RPW00Mirage: I decided against the Elantra GT for aesthetic reasons, though it is still quite capable. In the end, I equate the Elantra GT and Veloster but prefer the latter. As for the Sonic, I did have a look and but was impressed by its safety ratings. In the end, though, I remained skeptical of little details, mostly build quality (in the engine).

jcroscigno: I’ve never driven an xA so I cannot compare how the successor behaves to its predecessor. I know the xD is fatter yet more powerful than the xA, but in the end I I will be driving mostly on roads and rarely, if at all, highway. I’m used to slow, so if the new cars are slow I won’t mind. It seems, though, that 0 - 60 times (zeroto60times.com) view the Veloster as marginally slower in acceleration, though again my previous experience is with a '97 Civic automatic so anything would be an improvement,

BKamp613: Yeah, the xD is quite boring compared to the Veloster, but its appeal for me is that it precisely does not stand out but rather blends in. I have no intention on being stared at or looked at; for example, just driving a Fiat 500 in Memphis once was too much for me, though I admit the car looks cute and is a fun package. I don’t think the Veloster is as new or “groundbreaking” as the 500 was when I drove it, so I don’t mind the second glaces but in the end these will just be commuter cars. As for visibility, I agree that adjusting manually is your best choice: I had additional sideview mirrors attached to my regular mirrors in the Civic, so I will probably do the same here. Nonetheless, its rearview visibility is still inferior to my previous car so it’ll take time to get used to, nothing wrong with that. Test driving will be the key factor though, you’re right.

lobo302: I looked at a Focus too, and was turned off by the lack of a trunk release at the trim level I was restricting myself toward (SE). The Focus hatchback is a handsome car, though. The Accent is a decent, capable car but I am fine going 1K more for the Veloster, which feels more “upscale”.

DeMarioii: Yeah, the Civic was my previous ride and I thought it was pretty capable. Boring, yes, since it was an automatic and wow, was it slow (until you got past accelerating). It was also creaking like no one’s business by the time I crashed it. Ride was decent, but “tossability” was surprisingly good compared to other cars I’ve driven, but I don't expect these things and viewed them as bonuses.

SkyriderAR: Perhaps I should change my choice of words, but for me spartan signifies simple/basic. Maybe I lean toward more of a “basic” choice rather than “simple”, since the Veloster is cleaner within than the xD’s more clumsy/busier layout. I just am very turned off by the addition of a screen in a car: I stare at computers and cellphones all day so honestly, I just don’t want another one. I’m sure it’s a great feature, but in the end I just don’t care for it. I am also not a big fan of touchscreens in cars, but like tactile feedback in old-school radios. So, when I said “bad” it wasn’t necessarily “bad quality” or “horrible” but rather “don’t want to deal with it” and “unnecessary for my stubborn expectations”. The warranty, you’re right, is infinitely better in Hyundai.

[x_Diesel_x]

Of all the cars that could be cross shopped against a base V, the xD really would be dead last in my book.

Why not a Honda Fit, or Mazda2 if you are looking for spartan yet "toss-able".

The main draw of the V is its "uniqueness" in a way and appointments and features for the price. If standing out and "busy" interiors are a negative on your book then the V should NOT be in your radar.


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[SkyriderAR]

Have you considered the Hyundai Accent? It has a decent 6 speed automatic (not the DCT), is also available with the same 6 speed manual offered in the NA V. The engine is the same 1.6l GDI and has the same fuel economy ratings. The hatchback versions have more space than the V. I was about to buy one when I learned the Veloster was coming out. The V is unique and offers the higher tech features I like. The Accent is attractive, yet somewhat more conventional in appearance and offers more space than the xD. There is no big screen in the Accent to distract you.

[MTD]

2.0T Genesis

[tlyons1022]

My best friend has a '13 xD (Manual, every option). I have a '13 NAV (DCT Trans), with Style package. Every time we swap cars or roadtrip together for one reason or another, he tells me he wishes he bought a Veloster. I can honestly say that driving his car is awkward. The lack of a well-designed center console with the captains chair style seating is very awkward after a bit. The radio in his has a lot of cool features, but they only work about 60% of the time and Toyota is unwilling to do anything about it. Like I said... the V is a better car almost all around. I think the only difference is in Bulk storage area, obviously the xD is slightly larger IF you put the rear seats down. The V has a larger trunk though. At the high altitude here in colorado springs, his xD averages about 34mpg, and my V the same, but my driving style is very spirited, while his is much more relaxed.

Just my 2 cents, but I drive an xD on almost a weekly basis.... I like the V more, and so does the guy that owns the xD.

[pikopikito]

x_Diesel_x: I considered the Mazda2 but found that the interior was not to my liking. It wasn’t a car I saw myself driving continuously for fifteen+ years: interior parts felt flimsy / unsubstantial. Interestingly enough, the dashboard felt high with a small windshield, something I didn’t expect. I did like the exterior and overall size of the car, though. The Honda Fit, bless its heart is a good car with probably great reliability and good versatility, but I find it so ugly I just cannot accept it. I don't care how great the reviews are. I also wasn't a fan of the dashboard/interior layout. In addition, I don’t need all that space and find it too much car. As you mentioned, the Veloster is unique which is why I am drawn to it amongst other reasons, but not too showy like a BMW, Fiat 500, or Scion FRS. My biggest concern is how long that touchscreen will last, though -- has it been reliable for you / not lagging?

SkyriderAR: I considered the Accent and found it capable and decent, but at that price I’m OK with going a little bit more for a Veloster. As I compare the specs of the Accent and xD, numerically it’s superior but I found the xD more comfortable and subjectively better looking. I don’t care about passenger comfort to be honest, since I drive people rarely (hence my Veloster selection too). This will sound ridiculous but being in the xD felt like such a tall/high up car as opposed to the Accent, another thing I preferred, and it was a nice change to the Civic.

MTD: The Genesis is a beautiful car and handsomely sporty, but unfortunately at the topmost of the price range. I mean, I could afford it with some wise haggling but I’m divvying up this money between car and putting a dent in my loans. As a result, I’m trying to keep it “cheapish” and be an improvement over my ’97 Civic (which anything is really)

tlyons1022: Thanks for the succinct comparison. Do you feel that the Scion or the Veloster will hold up better over the years? I’m surprised the radio is bad, must be a specific thing because I can’t imagine in any car this would be normal. My 15 yo Civic’s stock radio worked fine all the time, with the exception of feeling hot on touch over long rides. I’m guessing it was wearing out, who knows… I plan on getting the base Veloster so I’ll miss out on the sunroof, fog lights, great stereo and special cosmetic niceties in the Style package, but that’s OK with me. The absence of a driver auto-up is a bummer but it’s not like I had that before so I don’t know what I’m missing out on and I’ll just leave it at that.

[Bobadam]

OMG.

Just had a look at the Scion xD as i did not know what this car was - dont have them here.

No contest in my opinion - the V even looks miles better. The Scion xD looks more an old mans car.

[DeMarioii]

OMG.

Just had a look at the Scion xD as i did not know what this car was - dont have them here.

No contest in my opinion - the V even looks miles better. The Scion xD looks more an old mans car.

wrong, only douche bags drive scions. This is a fact. With the exception of the frs. which isnt a scion anyways.

[BKamp613]

I test drove a base Veloster and the stereo was more than adequate. Love the dimension in my Style though.



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[Mingo85]

To each their own. If you think about this carefully, I think you'll have a hard time getting Veloster owners to tell you to get the xD over the V. I mean active members that would respond here are most likely members that decided to buy a V over other options that in the same price range or lower (as many unhappy V owners have sold their cars, bought a different car and left the forums, or don't come on much and would miss this thread or don't come on this forum at all). You could look up these threads where people have left the V community to other pastures. I remember a few off the top of my head that others have left for: Suzuki Kizashi, Ford Focus ST, VW GTI. Those threads might provide you with other subjective spectrum of things. Otherwise you'll likely get mostly pro V perspective. Trying to get an objective opinion is like going on stage at Comic Con and asking the audience, "who's the best superhero?". You could try looking at some online reviews to see how the cars compare to others similar cars (but not many reviews keep it subjective or compare to similar cars). Other than that you can only really compare the technical specifications and your personal experiences/preferences to make the final decision. It is you that has to drive it at the end of the day so test drive the hell out of both if you really have to and go from there.

[tlyons1022]

Speaking specifically about the radio issue, its just reception and "hookups" that seem to be the issue. His XM, FM, and AM reception seems to be half of that what the Veloster's is. His car also seems really finicky about making bluetooth connections (He has an iPhone 4S, I have an iPhone5) and the USB connection system in the Scion is a joke. It works OK with a flash drive full of MP3's, but when connected to an iDevice, all it will let you do is skip through your entire song list in alphabetic order, one song at a time. Or you can put shuffle on and accomplish basically the same thing.

As for lasting longer.... the Scion is a Toyota. They are known to last forever, but the Hyundai's warranty is WAAAY better. Both of our cars have less than 7500 miles on them, so its hard to compare since neither of our cars have had any mechanical trouble. I will say that his car has developed interior rattles pretty early, but he also has two Kicker L7 Solobaric's in the trunk. On that note, the issues with his radio were from DAY 1, so they have nothing to do with the subwoofers. The rattles however, probably caused by the subs. I will say that my car has not developed any rattles from my Subs though, although I have considerably less subwoofer wattage than he does. I have around 750 watts.... he has just under 3000.

Another note since youre buying an automatic either way.... He traded a '12 xD Auto for the '13 xD Manual he has now. The automatic was a massive piece of trash. He never had any mechanical problems with it, but merging into faster traffic was a pretty effing scary event here in colorado because the speed limits are 75MPH, and most people do around 85. The xD's little motor coupled with a transmission set up for fuel economy just didnt have the "go". The automatic xD also averaged around 29mpg, but that's probably a mix of High-Altitude and the high speed limits in the Springs, coupled with the fact that transmission is not designed to get you up to 85MPH very fast. Even with his new manual, my NAV is still faster, both in acceleration and top speed. I drive with it in "stick-mode" constantly though. The only reason I bought the DCT was for when the wife needs to drive my V.


Hope this helps, and please feel free to let me know if you want any more specifics.