39 replies to this topic

[Richie83]

We currently own a Rover Mini and a 3 door Corsa. In April next year we are expecting our first child, so a family car for when we all go out is a priority.

I have been looking at the Focus, Astra, Quashqai and MINI (Clubman, Countryman and 5 door). Question is are any of these MINI models practical enough for a new baby?

[cal844]

Buy an astra, very reliable cars or even a toyota

[Black.Ghost]

Congratulations on the baby. 

 

I think it is Avv It on here who stills runs a Mini with two kids and a wife to cart around - that is dedication to the cause! I have a Focus (Mk1, 2002 model) and I have to say it really is a decent car. It's never going to set the world alight for fun or pace, but the 1.8 Zetec is a decent engine, it is well equipped and perfectly comfortable inside, and there is quite a bit of space. 

 

I'm not sure how new you were planning on going, but the new Focus is supposed to be even better than previous iterations. I think personally, I would go got the Clubman. They are still a cool car, and yet still practical enough with a little one. Having said that, the opening door is on the driver's side, and my understanding is you are supposed to put children behind the passenger seat if you are alone? May be something to consider, but I may be wrong in that. I did see a 5 door on the road the other day, and I admit I had to do a double take! 

[DFulton]

Congratulations!

 

I was fortunate enough to have a company car, so was able to keep my MPi running too, but it's no good for babies as I found it utterly impossible to get a baby seat to fit in the car (or at least one that the seat belt could extend round).  You can get a later group 1 seat that fits in the front though, so once he reached the right size, my son was able to have his first ride in it!

 

I had a two-door coupe (1-series) for two years after my son was born and was quite happy to fold the driver's seat down to get him in and out, so while many people would find that inconvenient, I would argue you can manage fine with any of the MINI options.  The big thing to check is pram / buggy.  A lot of these take up huge amounts of boot space - I took ours to the showroom.

 

I've now got a second on the way and have moved on to 4 doors with an Avensis saloon.  Very practical and a lot of car for the price.

[mab01uk]

The TotalMINI forum has a dedicated 'totalParenting' section which may help answer some of your MINI related questions:-

http://www.totalmini...totalparenting/

 

R55 MINI Clubman rear boot space measurements are on a PDF file here:-

http://www.mini2.com...559-post12.html

 

Dimensions on NAM:-

http://www.northamer...dimensions.html

Edited by mab01uk, 14 December 2014 - 11:58 PM.

[The Matt]

I think the MINI Clubman is ok for a young family...though I do worry about the models where the rear seat access is through that little back door on the driver side. Obviously designed to be kerbside on LHD models??

My neighbour has one though and seems quite happy getting her kids in and out.

[psmini]

As well as the Mayfair, I've also got a 2 week old F55 5 door MINI Cooper. Although I don't have a family, I went away for a weekend when I first got it with a couple of mates and got all of our stuff in the boot (handy false floor too) and we all had plenty of space inside. Worth considering. Also had a couple of Clubmans and a Countryman and I would say the countryman would make a great family car (I had the OneD).

[CityEPete]

I think the MINI Clubman is ok for a young family...though I do worry about the models where the rear seat access is through that little back door on the driver side. Obviously designed to be kerbside on LHD models??
My neighbour has one though and seems quite happy getting her kids in and out.

I really dont see the issue with the club door, most times you are using it you are either at home or in a car park where unless you live on a busy main road at home it makes no difference at all, and as both front seats fold fully forward its just like EVERY other 3 door car the rest of the time.

Edited by CityEPete, 15 December 2014 - 06:50 PM.

[CityEPete]

I'll just leave this here, I havent got kids but even if I did I wouldn't give up on life and buy an Astra instead! Lol

[Ben_O]

All depends on Budget. 

 

All of the cars suggested would be suitable but none are quite as pricey as the MINI.

 

A 2008 Clubman would cost you around £4500 where as a 2010 Focus similarly equipped can be had for less that £3500.

 

I know what i would do...

[The Matt]

I think the MINI Clubman is ok for a young family...though I do worry about the models where the rear seat access is through that little back door on the driver side. Obviously designed to be kerbside on LHD models??
My neighbour has one though and seems quite happy getting her kids in and out.

I really dont see the issue with the club door, most times you are using it you are either at home or in a car park where unless you live on a busy main road at home it makes no difference at all, and as both front seats fold fully forward its just like EVERY other 3 door car the rest of the time.

So it's basically useless? If it's a 3 door car, keep it as one. I just don't see why they didn't put it on both sides.

My neighbour lives on a busy street, parks on the road, as do a lot of people. When you park on the side if the road, same issue. It's just rendered useless. Loads of people don't have drives and park in the road.


Look here for the Telegraph's review of it:

http://www.telegraph...passengers.html

[mab01uk]

All depends on Budget. 

 

All of the cars suggested would be suitable but none are quite as pricey as the MINI.

 

A 2008 Clubman would cost you around £4500 where as a 2010 Focus similarly equipped can be had for less that £3500.

 

I know what i would do...

 

The MINi will however continue to depreciate slower than most Focus models though.......as well as being a lot more fun to own and drive if you are already a classic Mini enthusiast.

Which Car Has The Best Residual Value?

http://www.carsuk.ne...ual-value-mini/

 

[Richie83]

I think the MINI Clubman is ok for a young family...though I do worry about the models where the rear seat access is through that little back door on the driver side. Obviously designed to be kerbside on LHD models??
My neighbour has one though and seems quite happy getting her kids in and out.

I really dont see the issue with the club door, most times you are using it you are either at home or in a car park where unless you live on a busy main road at home it makes no difference at all, and as both front seats fold fully forward its just like EVERY other 3 door car the rest of the time.

So it's basically useless? If it's a 3 door car, keep it as one. I just don't see why they didn't put it on both sides.

My neighbour lives on a busy street, parks on the road, as do a lot of people. When you park on the side if the road, same issue. It's just rendered useless. Loads of people don't have drives and park in the road.


Look here for the Telegraph's review of it:

http://www.telegraph...passengers.html

This does seem like a point worth considering. I'd be more concerned that the third door actually made access easier though, as I do have a driveway.

Also considering the Countryman and 5-door (least desirable due to cost at the moment).

[CityEPete]

Its a nonsense worrying about the door, you can park the other way around as you see many people do or just not use it on a busy street as the seats fold forward better than many 3 door cars as the seats as very low like a sports car so the headrests dont hit the roof like they do on many cars. If you are in a carpark or your own drive (95% of the times I've parked it) then coupled with the sliding seat you get enough to almost walk into the rear and I'm over 6ft tall, the rear legroom is far better than the hatch too as is the boot obviously.

[Black.Ghost]

Or get a ZT-T! Much cheaper, huge amounts of space and a lot of car for the money! All round win, with money left over for another little classic.