I am looking at Mini's this week, and I really want to get the Cabrio. I have 2 dogs (55 and 40 lbs) that I take with me lots of places, though, and I'm wondering how easy it is for dogs to get into and out of the back seat. Leaving them is not an option. I will buy a back seat cover, but I am concerned about damage to the front seats then they get in and out. Any comments?

I already have seat belt harnesses for them. I think they will LOVE riding with the top down!! (I know I will.)

Thanks.

 

My somewhat overweight golden retreiver has little trouble getting in the back seat. I'm not sure how the front seat could get damaged, if they are getting in the back.

 

well, having not seen the Cabrio yet, I was thinking the back of the front seat could get damaged as they climb in and out, since their legs aren't as long as human legs.

Glad to hear your Golden has no problems. I'll bet he likes riding with the top down! My Golden is going to love it, not so sure about the hound.

 

The back seats fold down and make a nice area for two large dogs to cavort about and party down.

As for entry and exit, you push a lever on the front seat and the seat back flips forward, the entire seat is released on the rails, and you push the whole thing toward the dash. Makes it real easy for the pooches to enter and exit.

Yeah, make sure you put some kind of covering in the back. I would consider draping and fastening some sort of blanket over the entire area.

As for the back of the front seats, they make nice seat covers that cover the back too, so you can protect the seats from dog damage. Don't know how your dogs behave, but I am sure some would love to start pulling on the cargo net "magazine rack" on the back of each seat. Also, their nails may scratch the plastic that is everywhere. Slobber is not a big deal. That all cleans off with some Windex.

Now adults getting out of the back is a different story. See attached video. After you are done laughing, focus on how big an opening pushing on the lever creates. You can see how when the lever is pushed the seat back flips forward and the entire seat slides forward into the position you see in the video.

http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/MINIExitGrandpa.wmv

Note: I cut the sound off, so the video is a silent movie.

 

Our 65 lb lab has no problem getting in & out of the Cabrio and she's never scratched the seats. Unlike me, who got my foot wrapped in the seatbelt & prompltly landed on my bum in the street

Lois

 

I have two labs, one at 74 and the other at 86 and they have no trouble getting in the back seat. Although the black one, a male, Blu, would rather be in the front!

Terry

 

that so cute...

 

Well that pic is being saved in my pic folder and being e-mailed to my fellow animal lover friends.

Considering how much attention the MINI cab gets by itself, I would imagine your scene would be very entertaining and would stop traffic.

 

oooh, good thanks for all the replies--very encouraging to hear! I'll be test driving a few models on Wednesday. After seeing the posted video and reading Lois's reply, we're definitely gonna make the sales guy sit in the back.

 

OMG I just realized this was an attached picture and not your signature icon. Wonderful! Are those doggles?

 

We haven't stopped traffic yet, but we do get alot of smiles and photo requests, even one from a local paper photographer (haven't seen it in the paper though). I had a young woman actually ask me to slow down so she could take a pic with her phone while she was driving!

Yes, those are doggles.

Terry

 

We have a doggy seatbelt, which looks like a racing harness, and doggles for good measure!

 

He also gets to sit in the front seat.

 

i have a 55 lb english bulldog. I can definitely get him in and out, though its certainly not as easy as a four door sedan. What I dont love is the dog hair. Regardless of having seat covers dog hair gets everywhere and there are some places it gets to that is impossible to vaccuum up. Two dogs in there might be a problem in my opinion

 

I can't imagine you having more fun than on a nice weekend running the MINI with the top down and your pooches in the back. I guarantee you, you will be looking for excuses to get in the car.

And the dogs? After their first ride they are gonna act like crack addicts and the MINI is doing the dealing.

You better discipline them to enter and exit in an orderly fashion, e.g., single file, no running, or the MINI is going to get dinged up.

 

My dogs (2 Australian Cattledogs) love the back seat. My $.02, get the leatherette. It makes for easy cleanup and less chance of a toenail piercing it.

 

This NAM vendor has the seat covers that protect the back of the front seats and also the rear seats completely.

http://www.poochstyle.com/store/pc/v...idproduct=6745

 

Hey Rikker,

What kind of covers do you have on your back seats??

Thx!

 

where do i find doggy seatbelt??? any pet store? I have an 87 lb. yellow lab that I think would love to go topless!

 

They are Wetokoles. Got them for the back for the dogs and liked the look so much got them for the front too. The seat back covers for the back seat (that sounds confusing) they originally sent were for a tin top, when I called they rushed the correct ones to me no questions, the guys at Wetokle were excellent.

Check out this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=seat+covers

Sorry for the hijack. I'll stop now.

Terry.

 

I have a weimaraner, she loves to ride. She will be a permanent accessory in my cabrio.

 

 

love that!!! fantastic, think you should use that as your sig!!! and the name of that beautiful shep would be??????

 

Jesus... the pooch is taller than the driver. Hope he is licensed.

My cabrio did not come with the optional security alarm. Is that it? Figured such since a lot of BMW [German] parts are going on to the MINI.

 

Having never had a convertible before I got my cabrio primarily so I would be able to put my great dane in it. However, after bringing it home I decided there was no earthly way I was ever putting him or any other dog in my beautiful car!!! My kids are lucky I let them in the car! I decided I can put the dog on a leash and run him alongside the car if necessary! LOL (Just kidding for you animal rights people!)