Seems like a nice car! Hope you can have some fun with it. I've always been partial to European cars, but I've got to admit, the Subaru boxers are great for offroading. I have one in my Outback and it can get over anything! Glad I opted for the big 3.0 Turbo when I bought the car.
Personally I've never driven a Scion, but from how you guys are describing them they sound kind of like the Mini Cooper S models. Cheap, cool, fast, and handle like nothing else. Seems fun! Enjoy your new ride, and be sure to post pics of any cool modifications you do to it.