Found out my mom called my wife today while I as at work telling her to "put her foot down" on the MINI purchase because it's just not safe (in her mind). She thinks I need to drive a large SUV like her (Tahoe).

This drives me nuts. I know my mother is being over protective because I have a young family now (9 weeks and 2 1/2) but cripes!!!! I'm an adult for crying out loud.

So help me out. I provided her with some facts (below) about her vehicle and other large vehicles in comparison to the MINI but I'd love to find more.

MINI crash test - http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat.../html/0222.htm

Chevy 1/2 ton crash test (they didn't have the Tahoe) - http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat.../html/0107.htm

Ford F-150 crash test - http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat.../html/0110.htm

She called on a non-related topic tonight and I brought this up and her theory is sicne other people on the road drive large vehicles we must drive them too to be safe.

I guess it's Excursions for everyone...

What additonal details can other people offer up? Any pictures of MINI vs. SUV? I realize the SUV has a weight advantage but typically that's about it.

Thanks,
Todd

 

Forgot to mention... the wife is 100% PRO MINI (as a second car).

Todd

 

Todd...

Sorry I can't help you with anything truly constructive on your quest... yet. I'll check around a bit though because I GET THIS ALL THE FREAKIN' TIME!!! :evil:

Perhaps this is natural selection, keeping the dullards (no offense to yo' mama) from driving MINIs... but it drives me insane!

Hope I can find something to help out--good luck!

 

Found some stuff on her truck.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/1649.html - Tahoe

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2474.html - MINI

Never underestimate the power of the net...

Todd

 

Tell her that she wants, she can make the final decision, and that you've narrowed the choices down to the MINI or a motorcycle...

And be serious about it.

 

All of the arguments have centered on a single area of safety ... passive safety. What will the car to do save your @$$ in the event of an accident. What no one seems to have mentioned is one of it's key attributes, active safety. The ability of the driver to avoid the accident in the first place. If you read the road rage thread earlier today that was an excellent example. SUV bites the dust, MINI brakes and avoids accident. Your ability to manuever around and away from an accident can do more (IMO) to save your bacon than all the airbags and large cup holders in the world.

BUT!!! And this is a serious but, the driver (that's you) can't assume that just because you've driven on the hiways and byways for the last 20+ years are an excellent driver. You need to ... no ... MUST ... get to a driving school. Join the BMWCCA, until the MINI CCA gets formed, and get involved in your local driving schools, to include an autocross or two. I promise that if you pay attention, and go in with an attitude that no one is perfect and everyone can learn you will indeed learn a tremendous amount about you and your car's abilities.

Number one performance upgrade on a vehicle is the nut behind the wheel. I guarantee that it's the most fun you can have in a car with your clothes on and what you learn on the track directly translates to the street. It's helped me avoid some potential accidents. So put down that latte and drive!

Let's Motor!

Geoff

PS. OK, rant off now

 

I'm a pround owner of a 2003, and a 15 year old child.

Get the Mini for commuting to work. But you are crazy if you think it's a safe family car. You have a 9 weeks and 2 1/2. Put your kids in the back sit, the trunk is about 1 foot wide to the bumper, if a SUV or even mid-size car hits you from the back end, you have to say "crushed babies". I'm not trying to be mean but kids come first then your desire for the Mini.

I have seen to many accidents from the the rear. A normal trunk gives a lot of crunch room. Most of the safety test have been from head on crashes. No one can say a 1 foot truck is enough protection for people in the back sit, just go to a wrecking yard and look.

So, take my logic. I had the same problem with my wife :smile: The car is a reliable, fun and do I dare say.... a sexy car. It's great for you and your wife to take weekend getaway trips. It a great car for going to work, it's just as save or safer as the Civic, Focus, and Saturns (for the front two seats). For long trips or visting grandparent, we take the Audi A4 :smile: 90% fo the time you'll be the only one in it anyway, use her car on the weekends unless it's just the two of you.

Trust me, if you get hit from the back and your kids are in there, you'll never forgive yourself. Oh, a car seat with a two door car is a ***** too (all two door cars)..

On a different note. As a driver I agree with the above, it handles great and that helps too avoid many bad things. As a driver, I feel saver in this car as any (other then my old Dodge Magnum). And in may cases, safer. I love my mini. I just look at it as a great 2 seater, and 2 emergency seats incase I need them every once in a while.

 

Geoff,

100% in agreement. The irony is she never said a word when I build my '68 BMW 2002 track rat (gutted, full cage, etc.). I sold the car when I made the decision that it probably wasn't in the best interest of my family to be on the track in a 30+ year old car doing 100 mph+. I can't say enough about driving schools through BMWCCA. She also doesn't say a word now with y 125cc sprint kart, although it's for fun, not full on racing.

ToeKnee67 - fully agree. The MINI would be a second car and used to haul maybe one child in a pinch. It'd be mostly for whoever doesn't have the kids.

Todd

 

>>I'm a pround owner of a 2003, and a 15 year old child.
>>
>>Get the Mini for commuting to work. But you are crazy if you think it's a safe family car. You have a 9 weeks and 2 1/2. Put your kids in the back sit, the trunk is about 1 foot wide to the bumper, if a SUV or even mid-size car hits you from the back end, you have to say "crushed babies". I'm not trying to be mean but kids come first then your desire for the Mini.
>>
>>I have seen to many accidents from the the rear. A normal trunk gives a lot of crunch room. Most of the safety test have been from head on crashes. No one can say a 1 foot truck is enough protection for people in the back sit, just go to a wrecking yard and look.
>>
>>So, take my logic. I had the same problem with my wife :smile: The car is a reliable, fun and do I dare say.... a sexy car. It's great for you and your wife to take weekend getaway trips. It a great car for going to work, it's just as save or safer as the Civic, Focus, and Saturns (for the front two seats). For long trips or visting grandparent, we take the Audi A4 :smile: 90% fo the time you'll be the only one in it anyway, use her car on the weekends unless it's just the two of you.
>>
>>Trust me, if you get hit from the back and your kids are in there, you'll never forgive yourself. Oh, a car seat with a two door car is a ***** too (all two door cars)..
>>
>>

Sorry but that's a load of crap.

I think you are seriously underestimating the high degree of engineering and safety built into the MINI. I have seen cars with large trunks that fold like a paper accordion upon a rear impact, so it is not always the size or shape that makes the difference but the engineering that goes into the structure to enhance its strenght and safety.

Ever wonder why there are no rear impact test being done? Simply because in a rear end collission the car is pushed forward thus the amount of crash energy is never as severe as in other types of impacts.

Juts so you know this little tid bit, the MINI is 50% stiffer (Body torsional rigidity) than its much pricier BMW E46 3 series counterpart....unbelievable eh?


There are many MINI owners using their MINIs as family cars because they are SAFE. As a matter of fact I am selling my 2001 Chevy Impala LS full size sedan and replacing it with a new '04 MCS. We already have a '02 Cooper CVT which is a keeper. We don't have kids yet but the 2 MINIs will be used as family cars. Got to love the versatility of these vehicles!

My wife refuses to drive the Impala or anything bigger than the MINI, so having 2 MINis will work perfect for us.

Sorry for my *rude* opening of this post but I think you still conform to the thinking that bigger is better and that is not always the case. If we were talking about putting kids in a classic Mini (And I know families that spend their weekends riding in those toy sized cars) then I would agree 100% with you, but when it comes to the new MINI, we are talking about an entire different class of vehicle in terms of engineering and safety.

Cheers

 

^^ Ok, ToeKnee... not to pick on you, because I see your point, but I've got to take issue. I think that your argument is largely unfair and based on the exact same attitude as the "bigger is better" mentality. Admittedly, I have not seen any crash test results from rear impacts but lets consider that one of the things that makes the uber-tiny MINI safe in front crash tests is the rigidity of the frame. I don't think you can assume that the boot is any squishier. Exceptionally pertinent comments about active safety aside--and rear-endings being a largely passive occurance--the MINI is designed to save your heiney, not itself. So the car is going to give it up for those in it. Although that's a negative for many people who want safe AND cheap to repair, it is an entirely relevant safety approach. I don't see why the good ol' engineers would have overlooked this fact when designing the rear. Surely they considered the nut-ball drivers who may end up behind you.

Anyway, I can understand your worry cause they're your kids and all, but I don't think it's fair to make assumptions about "crushed babies" just because it's a small vehicle.

 

Oh and ever since we got the MINI 10 months ago, the Chevy Impala has become our 'second car'

 

Cooper4Us... you beat my post by 3 minutes..... AND said it much better. Well done!

 

Forgot to mention.

Jason - I'd love to try the motorcycle trick but I then wouldn't have to worry about hauling kids because my wife would probably haul *** out of here.

Something about a 15 year old exhaust manifold scar to the inside of my right knee. It's a long story but if the bike laid down a little more to the left I almost could have been a walking advertisement for Yamaha.

It's not my driving I'm worried about... it's everyone else.

Todd

 

>>^^ Ok, ToeKnee... not to pick on you, because I see your point, but I've got to take issue. I think that your argument is largely unfair and based on the exact same attitude as the "bigger is better" mentality. Admittedly, I have not seen any crash test results from rear impacts but lets consider that one of the things that makes the uber-tiny MINI safe in front crash tests is the rigidity of the frame. I don't think you can assume that the boot is any squishier. Exceptionally pertinent comments about active safety aside--and rear-endings being a largely passive occurance--the MINI is designed to save your heiney, not itself. So the car is going to give it up for those in it. Although that's a negative for many people who want safe AND cheap to repair, it is an entirely relevant safety approach. I don't see why the good ol' engineers would have overlooked this fact when designing the rear. Surely they considered the nut-ball drivers who may end up behind you.
>>
>>Anyway, I can understand your worry cause they're your kids and all, but I don't think it's fair to make assumptions about "crushed babies" just because it's a small vehicle.


Amen OMTOAST!!!! I think some people need to get rid of the Tahoe mentallity for cryin' out loud!!!

 

Sorry, but the real issue here is not the MINI. Its apron strings. Since you don't have a problem, and your wife doesn't have a problem, its none of her business what you purchase. Simple as that. She apparantly feels she has the right to continue to exercise governance of your life. As an adult you get to make your own decisions without explanation.

Enjoy the MINI!

PS, having been rear-ended by a full size Ford van doing 30mph I can attest to the safety of the car!

 

Food for thought

 

>>Sorry, but the real issue here is not the MINI. Its apron strings. Since you don't have a problem, and your wife doesn't have a problem, its none of her business what you purchase. Simple as that. She apparantly feels she has the right to continue to exercise governance of your life. As an adult you get to make your own decisions without explanation.
>>
>>Enjoy the MINI!
>>
>>PS, having been rear-ended by a full size Ford van doing 30mph I can attest to the safety of the car!


It's not so much the fact that it's my "mommy" saying it . I'm just tired of hearing it all together from everyone about the MINI.

Todd

 

My thoughts exactly MiniMad! It's you and your wife's decision - not your m-i-l's. If the both of you are gung ho about it, what's the dilemma? You needn't feel you have to explain away a decision that you feel comfortable with. Does she make sure you get your 3-5 servings of fruits/veggies each day too? Sorry, that was a bit harsh, but my rebelious side hates it when someone tries to control what I do!!!

Meaning no harm - NUMMYTIME

 

My mom was paranoid about my MINI also, mostly because she was the worrying type anyways. The story about the MINI giving the tree a big 'ol kiss on the trunk really made her stop worrying... but think of it this way, if you're in a MINI, you can avoid a LOT more accidents then in a big lumbering slowly responsive SUV... I'd rather avoid an accident then see how well my airbags work any day...

Or how about (sorry, I don't have the data handy) that traffic accidents are down, but fatalities are not, because of the larger increase in roll-over accidents, which are, gee, SUV's....

Rocketboy_X

 

Who makes the big decisions in your marriage? Between your mom and wife or between you and your wife?

Your mom could have a milion opinions (Albeit genuine and good intentioned ones) but that doesn't mean that she has the right to interfere with your marriage. If the both of you (you and your wife) feel comfortable enough about your MINI purchase go ahead with it and move on, regardless as to what mommy, the sister, the brother, the neighboor, the co-worker or the politician may think. Marriage is between 2 people, not between each one's parents and you. Some parents and familiy members need to be aware of the boundary between family ties and marriage intimacy (Major purchase decision fall into this category) and lay off sticking their noses in intimate marriage couple decisions.


It makes me laugh when couples, as soon as they have thir first child, run to their nearest domestic or foreign SUV distributor to get their favorite gas guzzling military issue truck!


No one needs SUVs, excpet if you carry or pulls lots of cargo, drive in bad terrain conditions, etc. I repeat....couples with young kids don't need stinkin' SUVs!!!!

 

Also, a lot of people don't get the MINI (Which is fine by me because it keeps the "exclusivity" and the high resale value for me) and therefore will give you every argument in the book to put you behind the wheel of a mundane appliance car or truck.

Some members in my family can't understand why the heck I am giving up my perfectly reliable, solid, comfortable, powerful, power everything and economical 2001 Chevy Impala LS sedan for a '04 MCS with a 6-speed manual....to them I am giving up a Rolls Royce for a Hyundai econobox (Well I am exagerating here, at least my mom loves our current MINI, it brings a big smile to her face whenever she sees it).

Before the MINI I would not have given the time of day to a small car, In fact, although I have never liked SUVs, I was a strong believer that a large sedan was the way to go...boy how the MINI has changed that perception. My Impala is fully automatic, power everything and has a torquey and fast 3.8L V6 200HP engine....but it is not anymore about the stoplight racing 'power' or the isolating ride and comfort...the MINI is about a whole new driving experience matched by very few, if any, bigger power everything cars out there in the market.


So it gives me a chuckle when someone tries to criticize (That fortunately has not happen often at all) our decision to have 2 MINIs instead of 2 Escalades, 2 Impalas or 2 BMW's X5......they don't know any better and their lack of understanding helps keep the resale values up.


A lot of people don't get the MINI and I am happy about that!

 

Minimad already said it... If you're an adult, then make your own decisions and let your mother say what she will. She's not paying for it, is she? Besides, anyone with the logic of "everyone else is driving SUVs, so we need to for protection" clearly has some pretty wacked thinking on the subject despite the data you've lined up. BTW, what's her next vehicle, an M1 tank?

Live your own life. Mom will come around sufficiently when she sees how "cute" the MINI is in person.

 

Huge Edit: I had typed a long reply here but changing it.

Bottom line people have a choice to buy either a car or a truck/SUV. If you are going to buy a car, the Mini is just as safe or safer then the most common (Hyndai Accent, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and so on).

So you are either a car guy or SUV guy. And if you are a car guy, the Mini is the way to go.

For safety with the kids in the car, just walk through a couple wreaking yards. If I'm going to get hit, I would rather be in a BMW SUV, but to avoid a crash, I'd rather be in a Mini. The idea is to avoid them in the first place :smile:

 

Minimad said it first, finally, and others followed....

"it's time to cut the cord" :smile:

 

OK, for the record (since I can't seem to get it through some heads) I could give a rats *** what she thinks I should or should not drive. My wife and I were actually laughing about the call and my intent is to give her crap about it. NOT, I repeat NOT try to gain acceptance.

Is everyone on the same page now?

Damn... tough crowd.

I know you don't know me that well but it's in my nature to give her a good ribbing, not try to win her over. Her comment about everyone having to drive big vehicles just made it that much more fun for me.

Hell... I think I'll go do the 24 hour test drive with an H2 and tell her I had to buy it because it was the biggest, stupidist thing I could find.

Todd