Good afternoon! I'm a previous Mini owner back for my second one. I had a 2006 Cool Blue Cooper Convertible from 2006 to 2008 until I got pregnant. My daughter is now 3.5 years old and we have a 2012 Ford Escape as the family car. My car was totaled last week in a crash (everyone is okay) but now I start my search for a new car. My girlfriend is practically begging me to get my MINI Cooper again because I LOVED that car but I'm so skeptical about whether or not a kiddo will fit in the back. My daughter is about 40 lbs and just over 40" at 3.5 years old.

If I do go for the MINI Cooper... I like the LOOK of the Cooper Hardtop better than the Clubman but is the 3rd door and more space worth it? Or should I look at something completely different?

Please help! I'm suppose to pick up a White Pepper 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop tomorrow after work and I'm still torn!

Ashley

 

Have you considered the Countryman?
If not, I will say that the extra 9 inches or so the Clubbie offers does make a big difference in rear seat room. using the club door, Ive had 6 footers in my back seat with ease, and it actually seems to be a better angle for dropping a kiddo into a car seat than the usual forward-hinged back door arrangement.

 

Dang it, I hit enter before I was done.
I think you'll be fine with the hardtop anyway. I know the popular idea is that a kid equals a big SUV or minivan, but I grew up with a Honda Accord hatchback. One of my friends has two kids and they all get along fine in a two door Toyota Yaris.

 

Thanks! I'm still debating but before I buy the Cooper Hardtop tomorrow.... I'll test drive a Clubman just to make sure.

Ashley

 

The Club door makes it a lot easier to help the kiddo in and out, and has enough rear seat leg room for a growing youngster. My wife ferries our granddaughter about in the Clubman, and loves it.

 

The Clubman is definitely a lot roomier than the Cooper. I was shocked at how much legroom it has for the rear passengers when I sat in one at an auto show. I don't think you'll have a problem fitting a booster seat in the back of one. You should test both out to see which fits your wants and needs the best.

 

The Club door makes it a lot easier to help the kiddo in and out, and has enough rear seat leg room for a growing youngster

 

The Club door makes it a lot easier to help the kiddo in and out, and has enough rear seat leg room for a growing youngster

 

Get the Clubby. You'll need the extra room for all the crap that you will have to haul around...

 

If I do, I will probably have to wind up ordering one. :-( That means we are down to one car for 6-8 weeks. :-( I'll be test driving it tonight... guess we'll see how it goes!

Ashley

 

Ashley, whatever you decide on getting, just make sure its a MINI!

You loved your first MINI and why let a love affair like that fade away to a memory when you can re-live it again with a new 2012?

MC, MCS, Clubbie, or Countryman... all will rekindle your love of Motoring and the wait of 6-8 weeks... well that just adds to the anticipation of that great day when you and your new MINI meet.

richardsperry, oldsbear, SCMountaineer, and the others all have the right of it and offer great advice!

Anyway here's to you and your new MINI... welcome back to the fold!

 

Thanks! I found my car!!! It's at the dealership and I'm in love before I even test drive it!!! It's a 2012 Pepper White Clubman S FULLY LOADED with Mini Connect w/Nav, Sport Package, Automatic, 17" wheels, panoramic sunroof, etc! I will be test driving it tonight and if the financing gods shine down on me... will be a new MINI Owner by 7pm!!! WHOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

Ashley

 

Yay! Congratulations

 

I'm excited for you!

Congrats

 

If you get the Clubman, you won't regret it.

 

The Clubmans are a great choice for the kids and their stuff.
I'm happy for you Ashley, and welcome back to the MINI world again.
Keep us posted and let us see some pictures !!
Also let us know what you are going to name your new MINI !!

 

Nice choice! I think you'll be glad you got the thord door as she gets older. Thr extra room is really nice to have.

 

Thanks everyone!!! I'll have to figure out how to post pictures. I didn't get the MINI I was referrring to earlier because I found out it was actually sold to someone else and just waiting to be picked up. BUT there was another Pepper White Clubman S on the lot... not as loaded but still just as fun!

Decided to name her Eva (Eve) after the Pixar film "Wall-E" because she reminds me of the white robot from that movie.... I know her name is Eve in the movie but Wall-E pronounces it Eeeevaaa. hehe

My daughter LOVES the car and screams from the backseat "GO FAST MOMMY!" and "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" like that little piggy in the commercial everytime I accelerate from a stop light. LOL She LOVES the third door... says its just for her and I got her a Graco booster seat which leaves her PLENTY of leg room! I even stuck a second booster seat back there just to double check and it fits wonderfully! Took my friend and her 3 year old daughter for a spin and the girls giggled the entire ride. I absolutely LOVE this car!

Welcome Home Eva!!!

And thanks everyone... you all steered me in the right direction for sure!

Ashley (proud owner of a 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman S, PW with sunroof, harmon kardon sound, and a few more features I'll have to look up!)

 

Glad the purchase worked out for you :-)

 

Congratulations , enjoy!

 

Eeeeevaaaa!!!!!

Congratulations!

 

I'm absolutely lovin' your story, sounds like the Clubman was a perfect fit and your daughter loves her too. Win win win for everyone! Congrats