Hi,
I'm thinking about getting one of these next year. I'm a single
daddy of a three year old and the R56 I have is a bit cramped.

What is the big deal with the load flat floor?
Can the front screen (where the navigation is located)
play DVDs?
Is there an after market kit that allows the installation of
a DVD player? I put a DVD in my R56 and my daughter loves it.
I would not want to go back to regular radio.

I have not decided on any options yet. I've not even decided on the
CM as a next purchase. The thing that would tend to hold me back is
that the bavtech computer tool is not updated to work with the CM.
I don't think these cars can really be owned without a manual and computer tool.

This will be a baby carrier and my intention is to keep it quite some time.

I would either get the base-base and hopefully add a DVD player
or add a couple option packages. I don't want the bill to be $30k though.
mid-20s will be the max.

 

The flat load floor (IMHO) is a non-issue with the newer models since the rear bucket seats are no longer an option. The only reason I ordered it with mine, is so no one can see into the boot between the rear bucket seats, and still have the "well covered up. Also to keep things in the boot from flying into the back seat on "spirited" drives home from the grocery store.

I believe I read in the manual, that the "nav" screen will play DVD's but only when the car is stationary. I have never tried it myself. I would think it would cost way more than it was worth to have someone try to make it so you could watch movies while you were under way. Not to mention your little one would have a hard time trying to watch such a small screen from the back seat.

 

A lot of the boot mats are designed only to fit on the flat load floor.

Also as it implies it levels the field when you put the seats down so you don't have to lift things over the dip.

And finally for your consideration, It's extremely costly to take the interior trim pieces out and add in the flat load ones if you decide you really wanted it later but under a minute to take the flat load out if you don't want it in.

 

Is there a fix for the DVD in motion?
Maybe the thing to do is just put a DVD in the back.
I do let her sit in the front currently (not illegal).
No way am I paying $2000 for the little headrest DVDs MINI offers.

There are a couple of issues that might force me to another brand.
Not being able to reset the computer is one of them, and not being able
to upgrade the DVD/radio is another.

I do need to relocate her to the back seat. I hate to get some KIA POS.
But I might have to.

 

Well the KIA might not be a POS. I checked using the USAA buying service and I can
get a pretty nice sportage with a lot of stuff (the EX and with AWD) for $24k.

I will be keeping my R56 and CRX of course.

That's pretty tempting if the KIA has decent sport seats and such.

 

Won't handle like a MINI. Probably won't have the oil leaks of a MINI.
Probably won't have to remove the front of the car to service it.

The MPG is deplorable though.

Just throwing that out.

 

Buy the flat load floor, this should be standard fit, not an option, the boot is ****ed without it.

Better yet buy a Golf, seriously drive a Golf GTi or Golf R then drive a CM Cooper S, I'd be surprised if you picked the CM.

 

Lucky us.....KiwiRob has returned.

 

Just being helpful, that's what this forum is all about isn't? We don't want the OP to make a mistake and buy a car that really isn't up to snuff, if he is going to buy one (I don't recommend that he does, there are much better options) the flat load boot floor is a must have option.

Instead of buying a CM which really is a poor example of a MINI, if the OP really wants a MINI I'd wait a few months for the new 5 door, that's bound to be better or hang on until December and buy the new Clubman, which I think looks stunning, hopefully it follows the concept closely.