Hi all,

I'm brand new to the forums, I'm seeking some advice/experiences/opinions on any parents out there with young children.

I am dead set on getting a Mini Cooper S Convertible, I've been set on getting one for over 3yrs, stars just haven't aligned, now I'm in a much better position but have one major consideration.

I have a 1.5yr old daughter, she sits in a forward facing carseat, specifically the Britax Boulevard (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...roduct_T2).For a short period of time the mini may be serving as a primary vehicle, we don't do a great deal of traveling, I mainly use it for my commute to work but we may occasionally do a run across state, 1-3hr journeys but regularly maybe only a 10-15min ride.

My question is what have been peoples experiences with managing this in the cooper S convertible, in terms of:

* Safety - With the top both up and down?

* Practicality/Convenience - How easy/difficult is it to get the child in and out of the car?

* Style - The car seat is fixed, I'd rather not constantly attach/detach it when my daughter isn't in the car, does it look odd with the top down and a car seat in the back?

Any clarifications I can provide to help answer I'm happy to provide, would appreciate any comments/thoughts.

Thanks!

 

* Safety - It is safe. But the rear seat gets very windy with the top down.

* Practicality/Convenience - With top down, it is very easy to place child in the back seat. With top up, you must lean in. It is easy for the child to climb in. When the child is bigger, you will need to move the front seat all the way forward to make room for legs.

* Style - No problem with the car seat in back. I usually buckle the belt because the empty seat flops around when driving on highways with the top down.

Have Fun!

 

My 4 yr old loves my 1st gen hardtop....
was a pain getting her in and out from the back till she learned to climb in...have had both front+rear facing seats in the back..
look funny....lol....looks cool!

 

Agree with the above. We have owned several MINIs (hatch, clubman, cabrio and classic). The kids have fit in them all from when they were young to now (7 and 8 yrs).

The little one will probably not like riding in the back with the top down. My kids complain about the wind all the time. Otherwise, it is fine. It is a bit of a pain getting little ones in the back, but personally, I think it is worth it.

BTW, all we own currently are MINIs...

Have fun, and get out there and motor!