Hello everyone,

I am new in this forum and do not (yet!) own a mini. I currently drive an Audi S4 and my previous car was a TT. About 2 months ago, there was something called the BWM cup ( it is a slalom ski race) at Mont-Garceau where we ski. As part of the event, you could test drive several BMW vehicules. I have never been a BMW fan ( I like the cars but I do not like the image...) so I tried a MCS R53. It was much less powerful than my S4, it only had front wheel drive, it is definitely not as roomy or practical and...I LOVED IT! I thought to myself, It must be my mid life chrisis! One month later, I test drove the R56 and loved it too! I know there is a big debate on which is best but I am not familiar enough with both versions to comment.

All I can is the build quality level surprised me, I loved the non standard interior (I guess I am outgrowing the very serious german interiors), I love the size, I loved the handling. The S4 is powerfull but I could 'feel' the Mini better. Am I going crazy?

The problem is I am a father of two beautiful girls (7 and 4) and my wife is expecting our 3rd. She has an A4 that we are going to change for a seven seater (no it will not be a minivan!) and my lease is coming up soon. I am tired of having a sedan and I have started to be obsessed with the Mini (seems to be a common thing in this group). This would be my daily driver, the car I will take to the cottage for the week-end (...and we get a lot of snow in Quebec!) and I have to be able to accomodate a couple fo kids for short rides. Am I blinded by how cool the MCS is or could I get away with it?

I appreciate your thoughts



P.S. I am thinking red MCS R56, white roof and stripes with black lounge leather and brushed aluminium trim and sports package of course

 

Get it That "feel" is what it's all about. It has plenty of room for a couple of kids. And little enough so it won't be their main transport vehicle.

 

Get the roof rack and attach some extra seats

 

How tall are you? If you and your wife are giants, the kids won't have much room in the back. But if you're normal height or shorter, they will be fine.

 

I am 5'10''. I am able to sit behind the driver's seat when it is set up for me. I was actually quite surprised about that. Both girls use boosters for now but my oldest one will be able to do without shortly.

 

Roger that.

I have two boys, 10 and 7, and they LOVE my cabrio. They fit in the back with few (though not zero) complaints. The 10 year old actually fits better than the 7 year old - 7 is still in a booster - so his legs go forward instead of down - and that creates legroom issues. Once they're out of the boosters, it's no issue.

 

I've got a wife and 3 boys 3/10 &16 so we all don't fit ,but my wife has an
Accord if we all need to go together ,the 3 & 10 year olds fit fine in the back ,the 16 year old thinks it's a cool car ,my wife is learning to drive the stick .A good selling point is MPG sounds like tour new 7 seater will be a gas hog ,I'm getting 31MPG city with the S.

 

Hey crazy Pete, welcome!

I have '06 MCS JCW; two daughters; and of-course... a wife,
and she's driving '05 A4. My daughters: 16 years old, 165cm tall,
and 13 years old, 155cm tall. I am 38 and 178cm and my wife is
my age and 175cm. In September 2006 we traveled together,
driving 2050 miles in a week at MTTS – NO COMPLAINS. They
like it so much. Every time they would choose the MINI over the A4.
I rarely drive the Audi. In 2005 I checked the A3 and GTI before
buying my first MINI. Ended up getting '05 MCSa and traded it in
in '06 for my JCW. Check them out: MTTS and MY NEW JCW.

Also, I don't believe in mid life crisis, but will tell you this: MINIs
change lives. Yes, they do! You'll find new friends and much more.
So go for it, you won't regret!

By the way, we keep thinking to move to Canada.
Will you welcome us if we decide to?

 

Welcome to NAM and our fun obsession, crazy Pete! There are plenty of MINI owners with kids and lots of them have other vehicles which are designated family-haulers, but plenty of them don't, and the MINI works out fine. Kids LOVE the MINI, so you'll have that going for you!

 

Wow great looking cars. How do you like your JWC? Is the ride too harsh for the car to b your daily driver?

P.S. You are more than welcome to Canada...but the weather is quite different than in sunny California! Mind you back country roads covered with snow ar a lot of fun to drive rallye style.

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Wow great looking cars. How do you like your JWC? Is the ride too harsh for the car to b your daily driver?

P.S. You are more than welcome to Canada...but the weather is quite different than in sunny California! Mind you back country roads covered with snow ar a lot of fun to drive rallye style.

 

Buy One! It's an obsession on the verge of insanity. I love my MINI as well!

 

I apologize for the late respond.

The JCW might be a little harsher than a regular S
because of the suspension, but I love it. Also it
depends of tires and wheels too.

P.S. We actually miss four season weather, but still
not sure about moving: it's a tough decision.

 

Maybe this will help: it is mid-april we just got 15cm last night. Who said global warming?

P.S. I do agree about the four seasons though...there is nothing like a fall drive in back country roads, or a winter drive 'rally style' with the tail out!!!

 

I can picture it.