Well, the MINI was totaled and I ended up getting a different car. That was my 2nd MINI and I think I'll end up with another one when the new gen comes out. But I'm waiting till then.

Until then, I purchased a Scion tC - price couldn't be beat and it is a fun car with decent performance (once i tightened up the suspension. (rear sway, springs, strut brace)

The car is pretty fun stock, but even more so with some of the TRD accessories. Not nearly as fun as a MINI, but a new challenge for modding...

Here is a pic before it was lowered: As you can see, the fender gap required lowering!

 

Wow you're not kidding! That gap looks like it's a GM!

 

It is not quite as bad as that pic makes it look for the front tire, but it was bad enough that I lowered it...

Ok, well I would have lowered it anyway to help with the suspension. Damn MINIs...

 

After driving 2 MINIs, be careful with the off-throttle overstear that the tC likes to exhibit.

Steve

 

My piggyback on Mielnicki's advice: After having parked 2 MINI's don't be too discouraged having to pass up several dozen "short" parking spaces nearest your destination.

Scion TC. Interesting choice. I love the xB except it doesn't have the TC's motor. And I could not locate power mods for it. Perhaps you would be kind enough to return with a post showcasing modifications and providing your driving impressions versus your MINI experiences. Hopefully it will not instigate a riceroni contest. Have fun!

 

How bad did you wreak you mini?

And if you know any one who has a wreaked mini for sale that is reparable i am looking for one. If you do than you can e-mail me at camaro1@iwon.com

Thank You

 

I see you trading in that tc for a new MINI in about a year and a half. Scions don't seem to make great substitutes for MINIs.

Not a bad car at all, just not my cup of tea.

 

I read in one of the mags that Toyota is coming out with a turbo or S/C for the tC. I'm assuming it'll carry the TRD badge. Is this out yet? Any word on price?

I'm betting that, with the proper suspension and power tweaks, the tC could get pretty close to the Mini's performance, although it doesn't have the Mini's "bulldog" stance.

And, as usual, Toyota did a fabulous job with detailing and build quality. The glass roof is an interesting feature.

Enjoy it in good health!

 

The S/C is apparently delayed due to Ca. CARB stuff. Information is speculative, but this is what is considered "most accurate":

-$3000 - 4000 installed by dealer, carries full new car warranty
-Supposedly 5-6psi stock
-Intercooler will be an option (likely included in price range above)
-Anticipated 195-200hp (at the wheels)

The stock car runs 15.7 1/4 mile (i have not hit that mark yet)

I upgraded the springs, shocks, sway bars, and strut brace on the front and it handles well - I also put on Toyo Proxies 4. But, still it does not have quite the same feel as a MINI - I'm sure it handles very well, but it does not instantly inspire the same level of cornering confidence. I need to go take a driving class with THIS car. That was what made me the MINI driver I became.

 

congrats on your tc!!!

my uncle traded his nsx and got 2 tc's.

 

http://home.comcast.net/~shanedanaher/large.jpg

that is prior to lowering - too big to post in-thread. :smile:

 

I see a bunch of these out here. :smile:

 

Yummy... I love eating tc's for lunch on the occasional mountain drives!