I have not owned either car...persay, but my parents have owned both.
We currently own a 05' xB and love it! I drive it just about every day. It has terrible power, but it has a sweet radio, great space, awesome mileage, and reliable is its middle name. It is easy and fun to drive! Before buying the xB and our Prowler, haha, we owned a pt cruiser. It was kinda cool and we were some of the first ppl to own one. We had a first gen. 2001 pt and it was shit
! We ended up trading it in because of the engine in general. The newer and improved cars may be a bit better, but i would be cautious. That is why i say screw new cars and build old ones.( i got a sweet 69' bird
) Considering prices, looks, durability, and options, xB is definitely a better buy.