Currently I am looking at the Countryman, but the kicker is I need to convince my wife. We are expecting a baby in February and have a medium size dog. She is worried that we will not have enough room when we go on road trips/vacations. Anybody in a similar situation??? Thanks guys!

 

there's a thread on here that shows all the things that fit a countryman... have her look at those pics and I thiink she'll be convinced. My wife said the same thing and when she saw that thread, she was in..... the funny thing is, I might not be able to pry that car out of her hands when we get it... she always points one out when we see one... and as an FYI, we have 2 kids and we got the bench seat option... still waiting on it though....

 

Awesome! Ill have to look for that thread, do you remember what it was called? She has a Clubman and loves it, so this would be my baby!!! I was also thinking about the bench seat, seems like a smarter option.

 

You might also want to look around for discussions about infant car seats and other new parent experiences with the CM. Also, lots of dog owners have discussed how that has worked out with their CM (a popular consideration).

We just went on an extended trip with my son with all our gear - it worked out pretty well and he's 30. You can put a surprising amount of stuff in a CM, including people.

 

Here's the thread:

Will THAT fit in a Countryman?

It's pretty amazing what it can carry! I don't have kids, but I have 2 small dogs, a Pit Bull, and a 6'2" ex-rugby player husband. My CM hasn't arrived yet, but I can say that hubby and I fit very comfortably, and we're planning on being able to throw all three dogs and luggage in the back sometime early next year for a little road trip. We also decided on the Countryman knowing that we're planning on having kid(s) in the next 3-4 years, and I think there will be plenty of room for all of us!

We also opted for the bench seat--felt it was more practical with the dogs and future munchkins.

 

You guys have given me some things to think about. I've chosen the CM because it's a great looking little car, it's sporty, it's fun, and could def be a small family vehicle.
We're getting the CM with kids in mind as well, so perhaps I will start considering the bench seat, as well. Although, the separate seats might prevent them from fighting..."Moooom, she touched me!!" "He's on my side!!" lol
Regardless, I can't wait to order my mini!!

 

Ann, we've got 2 small dogs and a pit bull also!
Boston terrier and pug are the other two.

 

I love the CM's room in the back seat area. Even for me at 6'3" I have plenty of room and with the rear seats being like the front seats they are very comfortable. The bench in your case would be great for car seats and dogs and would leave you plenty of space.

The only downfall in my opinion is the trunk. It really is not wide enough and it also is to small. I cant even fit my golf clubs in it unless I take my driver and 3 wood out and even then I have to put those clubs through the space in between the seats and rear seats. I think the trunk could have been a bit larger

 

well with your wife at home, you should have more than enough room lol

 

Oh my...that brings back memories!

Remember that the bench seat has a fold down center portion that will create a nice "DMZ" between the seats. The electrified wire fence is optional.

BTW -- MINI are now making the flat load floor "option" ($250) mandatory if you order the "free" bench seat.

 

LOL Boston and Koopah!!
The CM is going to be my car and I'm so excited about it.
Eric, I hope you can convince your wife. Would be a no brainier for me! I refuse to drive a soccer mom car!!

 

I love both those breeds! And aren't Pitties just the best? Toots is our first, and we're total converts. Our other two are a Jack Russell and a Schipperke. The JRT is the boss, of course, although the Pittie is the most spoiled.

 

sorry BOSTON TERRIERS ARE THE BEST BREED lol

 

We have 2 kids in car seats and a Boxer. We remove the privacy cover and the dog goes in the back with loads of room. Only problem is there is no space for gear, so we are getting the roof rack and roof top carrier for long trips. The only way to do two kids, dog and gear is a minivan or 7 seater SUV.

 

We went with the Baby Jogger City Elite as it seemed to fit in the trunk the best. PM me if you want to see some pictures of the Baby Jogger in the trunk. We also ordered the car with the bucket seats in the back. When you put a baby seat back there, there won't really be any room for two passengers back there. Not sure what model you are considering, but you may want to forgo the sport suspension or 18" wheels, though they do look good, but from what I have heard, the ride suffers a bit.

 

I do love my pit bull! Best dog I've ever had. He's my dog and the two smaller ones are my husbands. Plus we've got a cat.
And the cat rules them all, of course.

 

Hahaha same in our house! We have a cat, too, who just showed up on our doorstep one day and refused to leave. He beats up all the dogs and the Pittie won't even walk through a doorway if the cat is on the other side of it! She just sits there and makes sad noises until he moves of his own accord.