Mini Cooper

Riders Of Rohan

So guys was looking into getting a mini, thing is we have a newborn, is this car really unsuitable for having a pushchair

Straight Edge Punk

Riders Of Rohan wrote: »

So guys was looking into getting a mini, thing is we have a newborn, is this car really unsuitable for having a pushchair

My better half bought one a few weeks ago. You will not fit a buggy in the boot, not a chance. She had to take the parcel shelf out to fit in a small stroller.

TBi

Depends what year mini you get. R56 has a bigger boot.

We just fold down one of the back seats to fit an umbrella stoller in. I'd recommend getting a car seat with isofix. Much easier to clip it in than strap it in. We started with a silvercross simplicity and now have a britax dual fix. Our buggy is a silvercross reflex.

theteal

As the husband of a 2015 Cooper D owner (well leaser) I would wholeheartedly suggest against this idea. I hate the thing. The ONLY good point about the car is the bit of poke when you want to put the foot down. The build quality is just poor - the dash rattles, the casing around the handle on back of passenger seat came out on first use, bonnet wouldn't open when when delivered (it had to go back for a week!). Reverse gear is in the dumbest position I've ever experienced in a car and to end my rant and to get somewhere back to the realms of the topic at hand, you won't fit a buggy/push chair in the boot.

I can't wait until that lease is up!

TBi

theteal wrote: »

Reverse gear is in the dumbest position I've ever experienced in a car

Same location as every BMW ever made (except for the auto's) and you don't hear anyone else complaining about it?

theteal

TBi wrote: »

Same location as every BMW ever made (except for the auto's) and you don't hear anyone else complaining about it?

Beside first gear, with no push/pull switch mechanism to stop the driver putting it into reverse by accident? Really?

She's forever sticking it in reverse when going for first when trying to manoeuvre quickly

sadie1502

Too low to the ground lifting a baby in and out you're back will be broken. They are not a car for carting a buggy wat too small. I too had ine and moved it along too small and not practical.

TBi

theteal wrote: »

Beside first gear, with no push/pull switch mechanism to stop the driver putting it into reverse by accident? Really?

She's forever sticking it in reverse when going for first when trying to manoeuvre quickly

Last off topic comment but you do have to force it into reverse. There is a notch you have to push past. You just need to be gentler with the gear stick.

Anyway back on topic. There are compromises but you can make a mini work as a family car. It really is depressing people selling their mini for a giant SUV for no real reason.

sadie1502

TBi wrote: »

Last off topic comment but you do have to force it into reverse. There is a notch you have to push past. You just need to be gentler with the gear stick.

Anyway back on topic. There are compromises but you can make a mini work as a family car. It really is depressing people selling their mini for a giant SUV for no real reason.

I don't think anyone suggested a giant suv but minis just aren't practical when it comes to kids and prams.

alastair

A Clubman Cooper S should do the job without too many compromises.

biko

Yes, if you insist on Mini then the Clubman is the way to go.
The one with suicide doors and split rear door.

TBi

biko wrote: »

Yes, if you insist on Mini then the Clubman is the way to go.
The one with suicide doors and split rear door.

Or if you have the money you can buy the new one that's released, that's even bigger.

Although a countryman will work too, but not as nice to drive as a mini or clubman.

Oafley Jones

biko wrote: »

Yes, if you insist on Mini then the Clubman is the way to go.
The one with suicide doors and split rear door.

Those doors are configured for a left hand drive. Isofixs can sometimes be a balls to engage/disengage and i wouldnt fancy messing about with the weight of a seat standing out in traffic. As another poster mentioned its your back that you need to be thinking about. A mini would be a disaster in this regard.

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

Do you really need a pushchair? You could strap the bairn to your back like Danish blokes do.

XR3i

you'd be better off getting a ford galaxy

Oafley Jones

XR3i wrote: »

you'd be better off getting a ford galaxy

Even a 5dr focus. Galaxy is a bit overkill for one kid.

TBi

Probably should get a Ford Transit instead, for the extra room ya know!

matt-dublin

We just traded a cooper for a 1 series. Cooper is a waste of time for babies.

The only good thing is the ISOFIX.

Maxi cosi barely fits in through the gap into the back seat.

Quinny buggy barely fits in boot and you have to hang the wheels over the back seat.

Cooper would be ok if you have toddlers capable of climbing into the car themselves

Henry Ford III

I was in the UK at the weekend. Was talking to a guy who used to be a sales manager for a MINI dealership.

He said they are average cars, but beautifully packaged with a perception of quality, and consequently high prices.

I still kind of like them though.