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YACT: Mazda 3 vs. Mini Cooper (Base) vs. Scion TC

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The Mini is the most overpriced, underpowered, and undersized out of those 3.

The tC and the 3 both compare well style-wise. The 3 5-door has more space and would likely be more practical. The tC is more trendy. Both should be reliable.

From what you are saying, the 3 would be the obvious choice, with the tC in 2nd, and the Mini not even in the running.
 
Originally posted by: CombatChuk
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: CombatChuk
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: SuperTool


See what I mean about the a-pillar. check out the right a-pillar on that photo. Huge.
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On second thought, that looks like a reflection. No way could the pillar be THAT big...it's block the side view mirror.

Better pic:

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332...100377589/028727-E.jpg
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Looking at that picture, I think the Mazda 3's interior looks nicer.
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I'd agree

http://www.bunkermentality.net/mazda.jpg
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NFS4, are you stuck in between the TC and the 3? She really like the look of the MINI, but I think she might be disappointed the lack of punch. That's why I'm recommending the 3s. Do you like the TC because you're a toyota guy 😉
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I was a Mazda 3s WHORE (I posted a thread that got about 300+ posts to it last year on the car). I STILL love it. But I'm also an unabashed Toyota whore.

All things being equal, the two are pretty much a match for each other as far as power goes. I'd give the handling edge to the Mazda 3s and the ride goes to the tC. I felt that the tC was better built inside and out, but the Mazda 3s interior looks classier (there's nothing wrong with the tC's interior...it just isn't that spunky).

For me, it all comes down to the features and the tC comes LOADED. The full length sunroof, one touch up/down for driver and passenger, MP3 capable CD player, tire pressure monitor system, keyless, yadda yadda yadda.

I'd be driving a tC now if it weren't for the damn waiting list to get one!!!!:|
 
You can't go wrong with either one of those cars really.

But my choice would probably be the MINI or the 3 (well that's it since the tC isn't sold here).
 
You are still waiting? I ordered start of June, got mine start of July. Around 4 weeks wait.
 
Originally posted by: miri
You are still waiting? I ordered start of June, got mine start of July. Around 4 weeks wait.
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F*&kers around here told me they were getting in a small alottment at a time and that it would be a two month wait. I waited a month and called them back and they started changing their story and saying that it would be longer.

I said fvck 'em. I'll just keep my Camry until this damn thing dies (149,730 miles on it).
 
the 6i has got the same engine as the 3s

and there are discounts on it as well

3's are in high demand so you wont be able to get a good deal on one


i am a mazda 6 whore tho
 
I would have done the same, but since I am in university, I need reliable transportation. My Nissan had like 200k miles on it and still ran good, but I did not want to take a chance with it not working on the day of a exam or something.
 
Hmm... I'm gonna check out the toyota dealership that's 5 min away later this afternoon. See if they have any info on the TC. Maybe If I look at it in person up close it'll change my perspective a little.
 
One thing to consider is the Scion TC has considerable torque steer, most noticeable in 2nd and 3rd gears. No torque steer under regular acceleration though. And I do not think the automatic has torque steer either.
 
Just go drive all 3. Buy whichever one makes you feel better. Mazda 3s is Volvo platform with Alfa-Romeo exterior and VW ish interior. I think Mini speaks for itself. Scion is really a plain sedan with 2 doors removed and a sunroof added, with styling from volvo, nissan, bmw, infiniti, and huyindai thrown in for good measure. It has nifty features, but they are there to mask it's otherwise boring underpinnings.
You know how the Miata was an English roadster made better in Japan. Well, to me the 3s is a European hatchback made better in Japan.
 
I get a lot of say with her car, since I'm saving up the down payment for her. She said when she starts her job that she'll buy me a laptop (T42 here I come). I really do like the 3s that much over the TC. But my friend's 3s has the notorious fuel pump issue. So that's why i'm looking at the TC as well.

I must say you can really customize the scion with the accessories. I wouldn't get any of these. But it looks like you can rice up your new car with a dealer warranty. Check out the LED "enhancement" lol
 
Originally posted by: CombatChuk
I get a lot of say with her car, since I'm saving up the down payment for her. She said when she starts her job that she'll buy me a laptop (T42 here I come). I really do like the 3s that much over the TC. But my friend's 3s has the notorious fuel pump issue. So that's why i'm looking at the TC as well.

I must say you can really customize the scion with the accessories. I wouldn't get any of these. But it looks like you can rice up your new car with a dealer warranty. Check out the LED "enhancement" lol
Click to expand...

Most of the tC accessories are pure rice. I don't think I'd get any of them except for the all-weather floor mats and the lip spoiler.
 
Originally posted by: miri
One thing to consider is the Scion TC has considerable torque steer, most noticeable in 2nd and 3rd gears.
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Yep. Beware the poor dampening in the rear struts too -- that could lead to snap oversteer given the wrong conditions.

<- was less than impressed with the tC's handling, and thinks anyone considering a tC should look at the very comparable Subaru Impreza 2.5RS.
 
Originally posted by: Vic
Originally posted by: miri
One thing to consider is the Scion TC has considerable torque steer, most noticeable in 2nd and 3rd gears.
Click to expand...
Yep. Beware the poor dampening in the rear struts too -- that could lead to snap oversteer given the wrong conditions.

<- was less than impressed with the tC's handling, and thinks anyone considering a tC should look at the very comparable Subaru Impreza 2.5RS.
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That is very nice to know...
 
One thing about the 3s, is that I think it has a weird oil filter that is not like a regular screw in one,but a screen you have to replace. So you may want to look into that.
 
Originally posted by: SuperTool
One thing about the 3s, is that I think it has a weird oil filter that is not like a regular screw in one,but a screen you have to replace. So you may want to look into that.
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It's like my mom's benz, where it's a cartridge and there's a door in the oil pan to access it. I'm not to thrilled about that. But it's a small gripe
 
When it comes to features for the $$$, I'd go with the tC.
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The TC starts at 17,000 right? You can get a just about fully loaded 3 for that much, what features standard does the tC have over a very well optioned 3?

I'm honestly curious to know since my GF was recently car shopping and we came across the 3 for a short period of time before she decided on what to get.
 
Have your GF check out the glovebox of the Mazda3... unbelievably huge. I can stick my head and neck in there! Looks aside (always subjective), the Mazda3's hatch area is versatile with a reversible floor (cloth or plastic), a piece of the floor stands up to divide the area and secure cargo, and with a removable cargo cover that opens from the back and front. Drive 'em all, you can't go wrong with any of them. The Mini Cooper is the coolest, the Scion is chic, but I'm partial to the Mazda.

http://community.webshots.com/album/179920847ubPDAh

Mazda has a $500 grad rebate too. Good luck!
 
For me, it's between the 3 and the tC, with the edge going to the tC. Like NSFW(4) said, it's loaded. Lots of car for the price.
 
Originally posted by: WolverineGator
Have your GF check out the glovebox of the Mazda3... unbelievably huge. I can stick my head and neck in there! Looks aside (always subjective), the Mazda3's hatch area is versatile with a reversible floor (cloth or plastic), a piece of the floor stands up to divide the area and secure cargo, and with a removable cargo cover that opens from the back and front. Drive 'em all, you can't go wrong with any of them. The Mini Cooper is the coolest, the Scion is chic, but I'm partial to the Mazda.

http://community.webshots.com/album/179920847ubPDAh

Mazda has a $500 grad rebate too. Good luck!
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I myself like the Mini and the 3, I know with her offer she can easily afford the Cooper S. But she doesn't want to spend that much. The glovebox is huge, as I saw in my friend's 3.
 
Originally posted by: Ikonomi
For me, it's between the 3 and the tC, with the edge going to the tC. Like NSFW(4) said, it's loaded. Lots of car for the price.
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I am going to check out the TC, maybe it looks better in person...
 
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