Has anyone driven one yet? That would (probably) be my second choice after the MINI for my next car. It seems really nice for the money. So, if anyone has driven it, how does it compare to the MINI? Not that I'm considering, I'm not, I've already decided on the MINI. But, I'm still curious.

 

Not a fan of the Scion. Xa looks like a wannabe MINI from the back, and the TC is wannabe MINI with power (160 HP with optional TRD SC upgrade to 200HP)I feel that they are trying to edge in on our glory, even with the Xa commercials with the robot turning into one. It's not good, not good at all


Just my $.02

 

Maybe, but I think the Scions lack the one thing that sets the MINI apart from almost every other car on the road.....personality.

 

True, they do lack personality. As well as originality

 

My sister has an xB. She loves it and I have to say for the money she got a great car. I mean a 10 year warranty on the paint! They resprayed her whole front bumper for a little rock chip, for FREE!
My cousin had a tC on order. The wait is just as bad, if not worse if you want to special order one. After 2 months of being jerked around and told the car would be in within the next week (for months) she regretfully got her deposit back. But she said it did drive very nice (the one she test drove) and I think with teh backing of Toyota, it would def be a car I would consider if it weren't for the MINI.

 

My friend just bought one and only waited 2 weeks, but he did not special order anything additional, he just wanted a silver color. He loves it. I drove it and it is quite quick off the line, and seems to perform well enough, maybe as fast as an MCS or thereabouts. I did not take it on the twisties, but I would think it performs ok there. Not like a MINI, but quite good, especially considering it costs only about $17K or so. I think they will sell a ton of these cars, if they ramp up production. The gearing is well matched to the engine, which is a big thing because the Celica (and some other Toyotas) is not. In other words, when you shift gears you don't have to keep the rpm's up to have power after the shift. You can sort of lug it around and still have power. With some Toyota's, you need to accelerate to near redline to have any power after the shift. The Tc is a good car. I prefer the MINI of course, but it's a good car. Brakes are quite good too. Also comes stock with 215/45/17 performance tires on alloy wheels with a Pioneer stereo stock. :smile:

 

In the couple of reviews I've seen, it is more of a Lexus than Mini, i.e. more emphasis on luxury and less on driver involvement. In other words, typical Toyota bland-mobile. I also think the styling isn't so nice and won't look very good in a few years.


My .02 Euros,

 

I've been in both and I think the Mini's interior is much nicer.

 

To me, it looks like a cross between a Hyundai and a Honda. Looks a little too 'standard' and unapeiling to the eye. May be reliable, reasonably powered and good on the bank account, but what good is that if you can't be totally happy with driving it, have an overall fun-feel for it and so on. A great percentage of a car is the appearance. It just doesn't speak to me that greatly. But everyone likes different things. That's why they make different cars. So take what ya like I guess.
Cheers,

 

TC's drive like Corolla's.... if you call that 'fun,' then the TC's for you.

 

the tc is a great car if you havent been in one you should check it out

it doesnt fall in the same catagory as a mini so there is no comparison but cput it up against the honda accord for ex. which is a rival you get more and save 10000$ you cant beat it. by the way i sold hondas

 

I've been in them a few times, but I didn't get the same feeling I get when I'm in a MINI.

 

Add to that the astronomical MINI resale vale and cult car status than no Scion will ever have.

 

The TC is based on the European market Toyota Avensis (Read Camry) and it has a torquier 2.4L 4cyl engine and it is much heavier than the MINI. The TC is a boulevard coupe and the MINI is the "Real McCoy".