A friend went from a first gen cooper S to an XB, she really misses her cooper and said she will get the clubman once her XB is ready to call it quits.

 

I've got a 2008 xB and my wife just got a 2009 MC, so I get the best of both worlds! Truth is... I drive her's at every opportunity possible.

 

BTW 1 sec in 0-60 is actually pretty noticeable when driving.

 

The Scion is a sled of a car.

 

Wow I thought I would be the only person who had owned both a Scion (2005) and a Mini Clubman!

I get 33mpg with my Mini, I got 29 with the Scion. Both manual transmissions. Keep in mind the Mini does require PREMIUM gas though, so you won't be saving any money even with the better fuel economy.

Like everyone has said, the handling is not even comparable. If you love to drive ...and since you will only own a manual transmission, you must ... the Mini is much more rewarding.

That said, the Scion is worlds better better in stop-and-go traffic. It has a much lighter and smoother clutch operation. The throttle tip-in on the Mini can be awfully uneven and jerky too.

Actually I would say the biggest difference between these two is the quality. The Mini is definitely a "premium" compact. The Scion is a decent car, but it is straight-forward, basic transportation. It feels shockingly tinny for a modern car. The engine buzzes like hell at 3500 rpms in 5th gear on the freeway (wouldn't a 6th gear have been nice?). You get "one-touch" down on the driver's window but not one-touch up. There is no "intermittent" option for the rear window. My Mini has heated mirrors and seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view, bluetooth and a keyless ignition. None of these are even available on the Scion.

The Mini is lots more fun and a completely different character than the Scion. You won't regret purchasing it. However, in terms of practicality and the other things you mention: economy and utility, the Scion is the better choice. The back seat in the Mini, even with the clubdoor is tiny, and difficult to get in and out of. You get Toyota reliability and can still use regular gas.