MINI2

minimcbs · Jul 20th, 2003, 06:08 PM

We have ordered a new Mini under the thinking our 2 small kids will just have to fit in with OUR lifestyle rather than buying a people carrier for their sake ! However we have only ever seen single people or couples driving the Mini's and wondered if anyone has kids and if it's too small in the long run or ok ?

Mini-mom3 · Jul 20th, 2003, 06:17 PM

I just bought a Mini Cooper and my three sons absolutely love it (ages 14, 12 and 9). I will be 39 this summer and this is my "stay young" attempt!!! We will keep our SUV to carry the kids around or to go on vacation with, but the Mini is for me to run errands in etc. when I don't need the extra space. The back seat actually has more room than I thought it would and the kids think the car is so cool that they don't complain - in fact they jump at the chance to ride in it.

Red & White Cooper 2 · Jul 20th, 2003, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by minimcbs
We have ordered a new Mini under the thinking our 2 small kids will just have to fit in with OUR lifestyle rather than buying a people carrier for their sake ! However we have only ever seen single people or couples driving the Mini's and wondered if anyone has kids and if it's too small in the long run or ok ?

The Mini is fine for seating 3 adults, but space behind the driver is very tight. Unless I compromise my seating position, only a child seat can go behind me, and I'm only about 5'9". The average fold away push chair will not fit in the boot, though there are a limited number which will - do a search to find threads on this topic.

Lorri · Jul 20th, 2003, 09:17 PM

We have 2 kids - 11 & 12 - and it's fine for everyday use. We've done several long MINI runs with them in the back too, but there's no way we could take it on holiday. We have a second, bigger car (Steve's company car) for when we have a lot of luggage.

Tonyt3 · Jul 20th, 2003, 09:22 PM

My 5 year old girl travels everywhere in the back seat, and she loves the Mini so I guess she likes it there. However, that said, because there is no direct ventilation in the back (air vents or opening windows) she is either complaining that its too hot or too cold. (usually too hot). I think that this is the greatest let down in the car, they should have allowed for people in the back, they should have catered more for their comfort.

mollyruss · Jul 20th, 2003, 09:26 PM

I have 3 kids
The 22 year old is devestated that I got a MINI before him and begs me to let him drive it.

The 15 year old, when sitting in the back, does occassionally squeal that the circulation in her legs has stopped, if I forget to pull the seats forward. She will be old enough to get her own car in a couple of years, so I ignore her moans (anyway, she's a teenager....... she moans about anything and everything!!)

And finally the 12 year old. He just thinks it's COOL!!

Coopspeed · Jul 21st, 2003, 01:06 AM

I have 2 boys, ages 4 and 6. As long as they keep their hands to themselves everything is fine, as there is no space between them. Getting them in and out isn't a problem. I just have to stoop down and buckle them in. Very small kids (One year olds)that can't climb in by themselves might pose a problem. The Mini is a great car for small kids. They especially like the toy bin at their side. I've never regretted the purchase.

Good Luck

John Adams · Jul 21st, 2003, 03:22 AM

I raised two kids in a VW Bug,they had seen most of the united states before they were 10 years old.Your MINI has that much room so go for it.Old Grandpa now is still running all over in his Mini while his kids worry about him
ITS ALL GOOD
jonjon

james4513 · Jul 21st, 2003, 03:51 AM

6 year old twins love the back seat. Great car with little to middle-size kids.

Red & White Cooper 2 · Jul 21st, 2003, 07:39 AM

Judging by the previous posts I must have an unusual driving postion, as I seem to be the only one who can't sit a six-year old behind me.

The obvious thing is to go to the showroom and try the car out for size with all the family.

HarryHBMCC · Jul 21st, 2003, 01:38 PM

I'm 5'10 1/2" and adults sit behind me just fine so two kids are no problem (must be the 30" inseam, short legs). There is a fair amount of space in the boot/trunk too if you pack carefully. With the cargo shelf removed you can put a stroller in there, a diaper bag, a small cooler for drinks and food and a bag of clothes enough for a weekend trip.

For a trip longer than a weekend you'd need a roof rack but in some ways I prefer taking weekend trips in our MINI. Whenever we take our station wagon/estate for a trip my wife practially packs the entire conents of the house! We don't use that much of it but the stuff is there, just in case...

Harry

GREEN-ICE · Jul 21st, 2003, 03:55 PM

GOT A 17 & A 10 YEAR OLD AND THEY LOVE GOING IN IT MORE THAN THE SUV WE HAVE. THEY DON'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH OF A ROOM PROBLEM.

Coopspeed · Jul 21st, 2003, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Red & White Cooper 2
Judging by the previous posts I must have an unusual driving postion, as I seem to be the only one who can't sit a six-year old behind me.

Have him fold his legs- Indian style- when someone tall is in front of him. I have asked my son to do that a couple of times. He doesn't seem to mind.

swamos · Jul 21st, 2003, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Coopspeed
Have him fold his legs- Indian style- when someone tall is in front of him. I have asked my son to do that a couple of times. He doesn't seem to mind.

Be careful, might not be the best thing in an accident

swamos · Jul 21st, 2003, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Max
[B

But IMHO its worth gettin a slimy ear to keep the kids apart.

regards [/b]

Sounds like you've got that problem licked

worrferret · Jul 22nd, 2003, 01:20 PM

I got my 03 Mini because of a bet I made with my father when I was a freshman in high school. I told him that if I got an ROTC scholarship he would then have to buy me a car. It payed off! I got an Army ROTC scholarship to the school I wanted, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, for over $100,000 and I got a new Mini Cooper!! I love my car and I am not a short guy at aroun 6'2". I find that I can fit about 2 other people in my car, and no one behind me (maybe a child seat). The reason why I got this car is because I loved the originals and love British cars. I used to have a 1977 MGB, but for anyone that knows MG's, they aren't that reliable all the time.

monica · Jul 22nd, 2003, 06:50 PM

My son fits fine in the back in his car seat. He doesn't like it because he can't see the road in front of him. Tough I just turn up the stereo (Don't worry I don't blare msic out of the back speakers) and drown out his whining. And since I have no intention of squeezing out a litter of those demons my mini is just fine and dandy.

swamos · Jul 22nd, 2003, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monica
My son fits fine in the back in his car seat. He doesn't like it because he can't see the road in front of him. Tough I just turn up the stereo (Don't worry I don't blare msic out of the back speakers) and drown out his whining. And since I have no intention of squeezing out a litter of those demons my mini is just fine and dandy.

LOL

Parenting not been a positive experience, then?

ska_face · Jul 22nd, 2003, 10:33 PM

I have found that my 5 year old daughter can sit comfortably in the back seat with me (5'10") in the front. As Coopspeed has suggested, she often sits cross-legged in the back. This isn't through choice, but because of the depth of the seats, her feet only just dangle over the edge and she is fairly tall for a 5 year old. I got rid of an Audi A4 for this Mini Cooper and it's one of the best decisions of my life so far. We are planning a trip to Europe in it next year as it is our main car now. I plan to fit a roof box of some sort prior to then.

woodman438 · Jul 23rd, 2003, 10:12 PM

My little boy - now 1 loves it!

See the signature picture!

W

Jul 20th, 2003, 06:08 PM	#1
minimcbs MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Local Time: 07:48 AM Posts: 7 Offline	Anyone with kids ?? We have ordered a new Mini under the thinking our 2 small kids will just have to fit in with OUR lifestyle rather than buying a people carrier for their sake ! However we have only ever seen single people or couples driving the Mini's and wondered if anyone has kids and if it's too small in the long run or ok ?

Jul 20th, 2003, 09:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Red & White Cooper 2 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2001 Local Time: 07:48 AM Posts: 372 Offline	Re: Anyone with kids ?? Quote: Originally posted by minimcbs We have ordered a new Mini under the thinking our 2 small kids will just have to fit in with OUR lifestyle rather than buying a people carrier for their sake ! However we have only ever seen single people or couples driving the Mini's and wondered if anyone has kids and if it's too small in the long run or ok ? The Mini is fine for seating 3 adults, but space behind the driver is very tight. Unless I compromise my seating position, only a child seat can go behind me, and I'm only about 5'9". The average fold away push chair will not fit in the boot, though there are a limited number which will - do a search to find threads on this topic.

Jul 20th, 2003, 09:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
mollyruss Gone fishing Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Poole Dorset Local Time: 08:48 AM Posts: 418 Offline	I have 3 kids The 22 year old is devestated that I got a MINI before him and begs me to let him drive it. The 15 year old, when sitting in the back, does occassionally squeal that the circulation in her legs has stopped, if I forget to pull the seats forward. She will be old enough to get her own car in a couple of years, so I ignore her moans (anyway, she's a teenager....... she moans about anything and everything!!) And finally the 12 year old. He just thinks it's COOL!! A MINI rainbow

Jul 21st, 2003, 03:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
james4513 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Austin Local Time: 01:48 AM Posts: 53 Offline	6 year old twins love the back seat. Great car with little to middle-size kids. james 2003 LY/W MCS, pulley, H-Sport, Alta intake, Alta Sway, Kosei K1

Jul 21st, 2003, 01:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
HarryHBMCC MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Can Local Time: 02:48 AM Posts: 2,686 Offline	I'm 5'10 1/2" and adults sit behind me just fine so two kids are no problem (must be the 30" inseam, short legs). There is a fair amount of space in the boot/trunk too if you pack carefully. With the cargo shelf removed you can put a stroller in there, a diaper bag, a small cooler for drinks and food and a bag of clothes enough for a weekend trip. For a trip longer than a weekend you'd need a roof rack but in some ways I prefer taking weekend trips in our MINI. Whenever we take our station wagon/estate for a trip my wife practially packs the entire conents of the house! We don't use that much of it but the stuff is there, just in case... Harry MINI Cooper Cabrio: now the car with go cart handling really feels like an open go cart! "... the only man that can come home at 3 am in the morning without getting into trouble with his spouse is the owner of a British sports car!" -- Phil Bailey

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Jul 20th, 2003, 06:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mini-mom3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Local Time: 07:48 AM Posts: 3 Offline	I just bought a Mini Cooper and my three sons absolutely love it (ages 14, 12 and 9). I will be 39 this summer and this is my "stay young" attempt!!! We will keep our SUV to carry the kids around or to go on vacation with, but the Mini is for me to run errands in etc. when I don't need the extra space. The back seat actually has more room than I thought it would and the kids think the car is so cool that they don't complain - in fact they jump at the chance to ride in it.

Jul 20th, 2003, 09:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lorri I can feel it Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sheffield Local Time: 08:48 AM Posts: 10,883 Offline	We have 2 kids - 11 & 12 - and it's fine for everyday use. We've done several long MINI runs with them in the back too, but there's no way we could take it on holiday. We have a second, bigger car (Steve's company car) for when we have a lot of luggage.

Jul 20th, 2003, 09:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 08:48 AM Posts: 6,257 Offline	My 5 year old girl travels everywhere in the back seat, and she loves the Mini so I guess she likes it there. However, that said, because there is no direct ventilation in the back (air vents or opening windows) she is either complaining that its too hot or too cold. (usually too hot). I think that this is the greatest let down in the car, they should have allowed for people in the back, they should have catered more for their comfort.

Jul 21st, 2003, 01:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
Coopspeed MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indy Local Time: 02:48 AM Posts: 65 Offline	I have 2 boys, ages 4 and 6. As long as they keep their hands to themselves everything is fine, as there is no space between them. Getting them in and out isn't a problem. I just have to stoop down and buckle them in. Very small kids (One year olds)that can't climb in by themselves might pose a problem. The Mini is a great car for small kids. They especially like the toy bin at their side. I've never regretted the purchase. Good Luck

Jul 21st, 2003, 03:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
John Adams MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Local Time: 01:48 AM Posts: 20 Offline	I raised two kids in a VW Bug,they had seen most of the united states before they were 10 years old.Your MINI has that much room so go for it.Old Grandpa now is still running all over in his Mini while his kids worry about him ITS ALL GOOD jonjon

Jul 21st, 2003, 07:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
Red & White Cooper 2 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2001 Local Time: 07:48 AM Posts: 372 Offline	Judging by the previous posts I must have an unusual driving postion, as I seem to be the only one who can't sit a six-year old behind me. The obvious thing is to go to the showroom and try the car out for size with all the family.

Jul 21st, 2003, 03:55 PM	#12 (permalink)
GREEN-ICE MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA Local Time: 05:48 AM Posts: 5 Offline	GOT A 17 & A 10 YEAR OLD AND THEY LOVE GOING IN IT MORE THAN THE SUV WE HAVE. THEY DON'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH OF A ROOM PROBLEM.

Jul 21st, 2003, 06:42 PM	#13 (permalink)
Coopspeed MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indy Local Time: 02:48 AM Posts: 65 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Red & White Cooper 2 Judging by the previous posts I must have an unusual driving postion, as I seem to be the only one who can't sit a six-year old behind me. Have him fold his legs- Indian style- when someone tall is in front of him. I have asked my son to do that a couple of times. He doesn't seem to mind.

Jul 21st, 2003, 08:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 05:48 PM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Coopspeed Have him fold his legs- Indian style- when someone tall is in front of him. I have asked my son to do that a couple of times. He doesn't seem to mind. Be careful, might not be the best thing in an accident Clubman less....

Jul 21st, 2003, 08:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 05:48 PM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Max [B But IMHO its worth gettin a slimy ear to keep the kids apart. regards [/b] Sounds like you've got that problem licked Clubman less....

Jul 22nd, 2003, 01:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
worrferret MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Local Time: 02:48 AM Posts: 7 Offline	I got my 03 Mini because of a bet I made with my father when I was a freshman in high school. I told him that if I got an ROTC scholarship he would then have to buy me a car. It payed off! I got an Army ROTC scholarship to the school I wanted, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, for over $100,000 and I got a new Mini Cooper!! I love my car and I am not a short guy at aroun 6'2". I find that I can fit about 2 other people in my car, and no one behind me (maybe a child seat). The reason why I got this car is because I loved the originals and love British cars. I used to have a 1977 MGB, but for anyone that knows MG's, they aren't that reliable all the time.

Jul 22nd, 2003, 06:50 PM	#17 (permalink)
monica Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edison, NJ Local Time: 03:48 AM Posts: 537 Offline	My son fits fine in the back in his car seat. He doesn't like it because he can't see the road in front of him. Tough I just turn up the stereo (Don't worry I don't blare msic out of the back speakers) and drown out his whining. And since I have no intention of squeezing out a litter of those demons my mini is just fine and dandy.

Jul 22nd, 2003, 08:37 PM	#18 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 05:48 PM Posts: 5,538 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by monica My son fits fine in the back in his car seat. He doesn't like it because he can't see the road in front of him. Tough I just turn up the stereo (Don't worry I don't blare msic out of the back speakers) and drown out his whining. And since I have no intention of squeezing out a litter of those demons my mini is just fine and dandy. LOL Parenting not been a positive experience, then? Clubman less....

Jul 22nd, 2003, 10:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
ska_face MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Coventry Local Time: 07:48 AM Posts: 1 Offline	I have found that my 5 year old daughter can sit comfortably in the back seat with me (5'10") in the front. As Coopspeed has suggested, she often sits cross-legged in the back. This isn't through choice, but because of the depth of the seats, her feet only just dangle over the edge and she is fairly tall for a 5 year old. I got rid of an Audi A4 for this Mini Cooper and it's one of the best decisions of my life so far. We are planning a trip to Europe in it next year as it is our main car now. I plan to fit a roof box of some sort prior to then.

Jul 23rd, 2003, 10:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
woodman438 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Herts Local Time: 08:48 AM Posts: 228 Offline	My little boy - now 1 loves it! See the signature picture! W MCS EB/W TV Tuner with picture in motion and PS2 installed under passenger seat! 4 spot lamps on front in arc, 222BHP AMD conversion and Scorpion exhaust http://www.wood-man.demon.co.uk/mini/signature.jpg

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