39 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

I agree the run flats are awful, without the chilli pack apparently they are not as bad as the springs are softer, higher and the wheels are smaller, I'm removing mine next year and putting an Astra spare wheel in the boot.

 

Does the Astra spare wheel fit? I thought there was a spacesaver option for the Clubman to fit under the rear floor?

I swopped from runflats on my R50 MINI along with a spacesaver spare and it transformed the ride and eliminated the tramlining.

[firstmini]

We are a family of 3 with 2 dogs & my daily is an '89 mini... still with enough room for a weekly shop in the boot. Was a common car for families back in the day so why shouldn't it be now? that's my excuse to people when I get the "why don't you have a more practical car" - what could be more practical, fit everyone in it & cheap garage, insurance bills.

[mab01uk]

I think the OP was asking about the modern MINI as a family car?

 

Even if someone could live with the practical aspects of using a classic Mini as a family car, I'm not sure many families today could live with packing their loved ones into a very small car with only minimal 1950's standards of crash safety on a daily basis......

Edited by mab01uk, 17 December 2014 - 07:11 AM.

[The Matt]

Yeah, the question was about MINI models I'd thought.

I do really like the Ford Focus to be honest. The newest ones aren't as good as the MK2. But I think the Mk2 ones are a great car for the money you'd pay.

[Richie83]

Yeah, the question was about MINI models I'd thought.

I do really like the Ford Focus to be honest. The newest ones aren't as good as the MK2. But I think the Mk2 ones are a great car for the money you'd pay.

I agree with this, went and looked and a nearly new fully loaded one yesterday. Seems like a good car and about the right size for a small family.

[The Matt]

And the 5 door ST models are also nippy things.  Comfortable, spacey enough and really not that expensive to buy. 

[The Matt]

What's your budget, roughly?

[stocky]

+1 on the getting a 5 door over a 3 door. My Astra was a pig to get the little one into.

 

My Signum is much better having 5 doors and that little bit extra leg room in the back. Which is great if you want less chance of the blighters kicking you in the back, but it leaves more surface area for raisins, dummies, half eaten chocolate, snotty tissues, toys, wipes, fluff and what the hell knows but they still want it

[CityEPete]

I agree the run flats are awful, without the chilli pack apparently they are not as bad as the springs are softer, higher and the wheels are smaller, I'm removing mine next year and putting an Astra spare wheel in the boot.

 
Does the Astra spare wheel fit? I thought there was a spacesaver option for the Clubman to fit under the rear floor?
I swopped from runflats on my R50 MINI along with a spacesaver spare and it transformed the ride and eliminated the tramlining.

Astra space saver rather than full wheel, for no other reason than an Astra one is half the price for the exact same size wheel!


I traded a 58 reg zetec focus in for the clubman, it was a nice car with loads of room and a massive boot, it was a nice colour and spec too but the mini is MUCH more fun and holding it's value far better.

[MattMiniS96]

If it helps I bought a 2008 Cooper s Clubman.
My reasoning was I wanted something fun, but good value with running cost as I'm only 22.
I cross chopped loads of cars but came to the clubman. It fits my Lurcher in the boot comfortably and it has got enough room for 5 people. Its not the most practical I know but it does the job well. The clubdoor is a novelty and I rarely use it but I haven't found it to be a problem with people getting out into the road.