Hello all you Mini Cooper drivers. I decided to stop by the MC forums to see what's going on with similar platforms, share my experiences and maybe pick up a few tips.

I've got a 2006 Scion xB, 1.5L with some big plans. It was previously supercharged with a Greddy kit using the Eaton MP45, and I'm now in the process of building a block and going with a twincharge configuration similar to what Alta has done for you guys.

If you see an xA at your next AutoX, be sure to wave.

 

what would you recommend for my daughter's 08 tC? Is the TRD supercharger worth the extra $3K or so?

 

The earlier TRD superchargers were plagued with problems. Some people are on their 3rd or 4th supercharger, mostly blown oil seals I believe from improper install. With as long of a drive shaft as it has, just a little off from horizontal when bolted down and it will cause additional stress. They changed designs a bit in 07 so reliability may have improved. There are MUCH better performance options from a forced induction standpoint. However, if you're looking to stay under warranty the TRD is the only option. Check the options, if it's dealer installed I believe it rolls into the existing vehicle warranty. Non-dealer and I believe it only carries a 1-year, 12,000 mile one.

Our main forum is Scionlife. There are plenty of posts there on it and turbos available in the tC forced induction area. For the xB, there is no dealer option. I'll be building the block with billet internals and running a custom setup.

 

My son is trying to trade-in a Scion Xa for a Mini Cooper S and nobody's offering him anything close to the Edmund's, Kelly Blue Book or NADA value. Very surprising considering Toyota's excellent rep and the low mileage. He just might end-up buying a VW Golf (yeccch) instead. I really wanted him to join our "club" too.

 

try going to CarMax. You never get bluebook for a trade.

 

The Xa was one of the cars we compared the MINI to when we were first looking and doing due diligence. I'm seen them around and got somewhat confused as they looked like a Mercedes A Class when first saw them, and I was certain Mercedes didn't import the A Class over here.

I'm afraid I was not impressed by the Xa, I must be getting old. On paper it looks just like the right sort of thing, the sort of car that's been missing in the US ever since I arrived, but is dead common in Europe. I just found it too harsh (amazing when you consider the Cooper's ride isn't the smoothest in the world) and its the only car I ever sat in where my butt started to complain about the hard seats within 2 miles.

As for the Xb (I call it an Xbox) its just ugly. I thought the first gen was ugly, but they out did themsselves to make the second generation even uglier.

Like I say I think I'm too old for a Scion, not their demographic. We're very happy with the MINIs.

 

I think car manufacturers continually screw-up their proposed demographics. The PT Cruiser was supposed to be a young college grad entry level vehicle and it's become a staple of the 50+ generation. I think Scion was also aiming for the kiddies but instead got a lot of 30 year olds instead.

I personally think the new Xbs are kind of cool looking, just not as sweet as a MINI.

 

so, are minis for the 50+ generation too? Or is it just that the "kiddies" who own minis haven't cared to register into this forum?

 

I think the age thread has been beaten to death on the forums with no real agreement on a average age.

Personally I have noticed that in North Carolina the average age appears to be around 45+ and in South Carolina its around 35+ and in Florida its more like 30+...
This hasn't been through any official polling but rather just my estimate from the MINI owners that I meet when I go to different functions, so it
could be that the younger group just can't afford to travel to some of the functions that I go to.

I tend to be the old guy at our meets in South Carolina (45).

The Scion group in the Greenville, South Carolina area tend to be around 18+ .

 

Btwyx, I think you're too young for a Scion. From what I've seen, it draws the under 30 and over 60 crowd. The yougins like it for the cheap price, manufactured and advertised cool, and customization options while the older generation like the good gas mileage, ease of entry of the xB1, and storage space in the xB2.

I think some of the market draw on the mini has been the nostalgia from those who remember the original.

I myself got it because my wife needs a motorized wheelchair and I refuse to drive a minivan. The only things a ramp would fit on were a PT Cruiser, Honda Element and the xB. I liked the Element but the xB was $14,000 less.

Once the xB is paid off, I'm seriously considering a Mini S.