R55 Advice needed: MINI and kids?
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,256
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From: Nashvegas Tennisshoe
Who's squished? I can comfortably carry myself, my husband and our about to be 9 yr old tall twins, and a load of groceries and everyone is happy and having fun. If they had felt squished, which the kids did feel in the regular cooper, I wouldn't have purchased it. If the Clubbie hadn't made it up my driveway, I wouldn't have purchased it.
I, personally, did look at all sorts of other options- from a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (and the lexus model) to a new Mercedes Station Wagon to a New Volvo Station Wagon- even considered a VW Jetta diesel wagon. They were all "fine"... but none just jumped out at me - some had issues, and at least one was the worst parts of a marriage between an SUV and a Mini-Van.
For me, once I was able to prove the Clubbie could make it up my driveway, the CLUBBIE was just a wonderful and FUN alternative. I can finally drive again with a smile on my face. Something I didn't have before.
These are just my experiences and my opinions- there are some fine cars out there, and the ones I mentioned are fine cars... just not what I was looking for.
I, personally, did look at all sorts of other options- from a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (and the lexus model) to a new Mercedes Station Wagon to a New Volvo Station Wagon- even considered a VW Jetta diesel wagon. They were all "fine"... but none just jumped out at me - some had issues, and at least one was the worst parts of a marriage between an SUV and a Mini-Van.
For me, once I was able to prove the Clubbie could make it up my driveway, the CLUBBIE was just a wonderful and FUN alternative. I can finally drive again with a smile on my face. Something I didn't have before.
These are just my experiences and my opinions- there are some fine cars out there, and the ones I mentioned are fine cars... just not what I was looking for.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 253
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I had a bit of a panic attack last night thinking I was going to have to try to figure out what color to pick now.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Question re: Manual vs Automatic with kids.
Hey TNMiniMama
Is your Mini a stick or an Automatic? I am trying to decide which one to order. I have two kids, age 3 and 8 and I'm wondering if I need to go with an Automatic due to possible distractions from unruly kids in the back seat. What's your take on this? Thanks, (Anyone else with input, please feel free to answer.)
Julie
Is your Mini a stick or an Automatic? I am trying to decide which one to order. I have two kids, age 3 and 8 and I'm wondering if I need to go with an Automatic due to possible distractions from unruly kids in the back seat. What's your take on this? Thanks, (Anyone else with input, please feel free to answer.)
Julie
Don't get an automatic, I've got 2 kids (3 and 5), you can easily reach behind and slap the kid making all the noise. No seriously my wife and I have not had problems having a manual with kids.
The Mini is one of the nicest shifting manual's I've had with a short through, it's a blast to go through the gears. It's part of the whole mini experience.
. No seriously my wife and I have not had problems having a manual with kids. The Mini is one of the nicest shifting manual's I've had with a short through, it's a blast to go through the gears. It's part of the whole mini experience.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11
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Thanks, geoffv. I just got back from test driving a manual. You're right. I love the car even more in stick. I placed my order today. I still have some time to change my mind on color, etc. Is there anything that you ordered on your car that in hindsight you could do without and vice versa, something you wish you had ordered?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,899
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From: Fredericksburg, VA
BTW, there is a thread somewhere around here I was just looking at yesterday, not necessarily clubmans, but regular MINI coopers and its a thread on accidents,etc.... folks sharing their incidents and in most cases tons of photos in there... very interesting reading and interesting to see the damage on the cars and yet keep hearing, minimal injuries from them... might help keep your perspective....
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=155862
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,256
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From: Nashvegas Tennisshoe
HI Julie,
Glad you've ordered your clubbie & even gladder you're getting a stick- I've been dutifully driving an automatic for (groan) 10 years now (except when I get to drive my dh's pick up)... My clubbie is a 6 sp manual and, well, WEEEEEEeeeeee! (and while I'm enjoying that, my kids are in the back grinning from ear to ear!). I'm really glad I didn't get an automatic, altho I understand why some people like them. This Clubbie has taken 15 years off me (I'm an older mom).
I ordered my clubbie on August 12 and picked it up on October 14th. So 2 months. And that was a trip in and of itself. I've never ordered a car before, and the wait was tantalizing but fun- the week 38 crowd has been a great crowd to co-miserate with, and NAM has been a lot of fun too. I spent my time reading everything I could about the Clubbie, making notes, getting in touch with MINI owners in Nashville, trying to get the Middle TN MINI Club back into existence (I can be a real pest sometimes!) and actually stalking MINI owners in parking lots and at coffee shops to ask them all about their cars- poor woman with a Hot Chocolate Clubbie S... I wouldn't let her go, think she missed an appointment. She was great though, as she understood.
As for options... naturally, this all depends on YOU- what you can afford, what you like, what suits your lifestyle & your kids, and where you live. As for me, I keep my cars a LONG LONG time and therefore feel justified in wanting certain things. For example, I will never buy a car without a Moon/Sun roof again. My 1982 MB300TD has a manual sunroof (and I have a strong right arm to prove it), but when it's closed, I have solid surface above me- so I can't see the sky, or feel the sun on me.
I will also never buy a vehicle without seat heat. Wish I could get seat cooling too (for those super hot summer days). I like performance, so I got an S. But I tested both an S and a Justacooper, and the Justacooper was fine- So if finances were a serious prob, not having an S might be a consideration. Leather VS combo VS leatherette VS cloth... Again, a personal preference- I got leather... in fact, I got the HC Lounge Leather & love it- but my kids are almost 9, and while they're not happy about it, they understand that when Mama says "no food, no drinks except water" they'll live with it. If my kids were younger, I'd either go for leatherette or the lesser cost leather, and then get a cover. I have leather in my Landcruiser and a full seat (including back) water-resistant cover over it- my back seat looks practically brand new- 9 years later, my front seats, especially the driver's side, is quite worn. As for leatherette, I know I just said to go for it... I drive horses and my harnesses are leatherette- they wear wonderfully, are incredibly strong and I doubt I'll ever buy a true leather harness. That said, after a day of driving, my horses are quite wet under the harness as the stuff doesn't breathe. I also have a couple of saddles made from leatherette and they just don't bend like a leather saddle would, so my horses do get sores and, again, hot spots. For that reason, leatherette would be right above cloth for MY PERSONAL tastes on a car.
Ok- my personal necessisties on a MINI would be anything to do with handling and performance. Like you, I have my kids in the car... and I came from driving either a tank (the mb 300td) or a powerful SUV (the Landcruiser), in either case, my driving habits are different than my driving habits in the Clubbie. And that's not to say I'm tearing around like a bat out of you-know-where, nor am I saying the Clubbie isn't safe- it's just different. For one, I've noticed a LOT of people (today especially) right on my tail. I mean nose up my exhaust. I don't like tailgaters... I don't care WHAT vehicle I'm driving... I tend to put on my flashers when I get tail gated, just to wake them up that I'm not happy... (my dh will throw the handbrake up a touch- not "on" but up a touch so that the tailgaters see it- and you guessed it- he's not been allowed to drive MY clubbie!)
In the Clubbie, unlike the MB or Landcruiser, I downshift more than use my brakes, so I feel a bit more... naked. At the same time, unlike my other cars, I feel like I can quickly manuever out of a situation. Therefore, Dynamic Stability Control, Sport Suspension, Limited Slip, are things I consider necessary- then again I live out in the country with LOTS of twisty roads, and I go into the city often... If I was just a city dweller, these things might not be so big for me.
Hmmmm... Rear Spoiler- got one. LOVE IT. Looks great. Don't know how much good it does, but it really is complimentary to the car. Roof Racks, got them too-noisy. But I plan to actually use them (bikes and kayaks), so they were necessary. But those could be added on later if you want, or if you don't have a need, don't do them. That said, if there was ever a run on Hot Chocolate Clubmen S's in the Nashville area, I would be able to tell mine from all the others due to the spoiler & the roof racks! (LOL). Another money saver, don't do the metalic paint. Altho it looks GREAT. But the metallic paint cost extra, then if you worry about chipping it (and metallics are so hard to touch up), you'll have to get the invisishield... ho hum (cha-ding!). One thing I also did was have window tint applied- by a local shop. My purpose there was to reduce interior heat, and make sure I wasn't going to get sunburned (have sun/skin issues). Got a newer tint that doesn't really darken the windows/sunroof, but does provide heat relief.
One thing I want, just because think they look good, are the round driving lights. They're expensive though, which is why I haven't gotten them yet. I'm going to try and find them out there in the world...
OK Julie, what'cha get?! I'm really curious.
I'm going to try and post pix in my gallery tonight. Of course, MochaLatte is already filthy... and I can't wash her for a few more days due to the invisishield. boo hoo....
giggle-
welcome to the "clubbie"-
Vivi
Things I could have lived without... the fancier stereo, the comfort bluetooth package (altho it's really convenient considering it's hard to drive a stick and hold a phone to my ear at the same time... and lawd above if the kids need a swackin' - argh! should'uv been born an octopus - just jokin' about swackin' the kids). Honestly, if I HAD to save some cash, I guess the Convenience package could have been done without.
Glad you've ordered your clubbie & even gladder you're getting a stick- I've been dutifully driving an automatic for (groan) 10 years now (except when I get to drive my dh's pick up)... My clubbie is a 6 sp manual and, well, WEEEEEEeeeeee! (and while I'm enjoying that, my kids are in the back grinning from ear to ear!). I'm really glad I didn't get an automatic, altho I understand why some people like them. This Clubbie has taken 15 years off me (I'm an older mom).
I ordered my clubbie on August 12 and picked it up on October 14th. So 2 months. And that was a trip in and of itself. I've never ordered a car before, and the wait was tantalizing but fun- the week 38 crowd has been a great crowd to co-miserate with, and NAM has been a lot of fun too. I spent my time reading everything I could about the Clubbie, making notes, getting in touch with MINI owners in Nashville, trying to get the Middle TN MINI Club back into existence (I can be a real pest sometimes!) and actually stalking MINI owners in parking lots and at coffee shops to ask them all about their cars- poor woman with a Hot Chocolate Clubbie S... I wouldn't let her go, think she missed an appointment. She was great though, as she understood.
As for options... naturally, this all depends on YOU- what you can afford, what you like, what suits your lifestyle & your kids, and where you live. As for me, I keep my cars a LONG LONG time and therefore feel justified in wanting certain things. For example, I will never buy a car without a Moon/Sun roof again. My 1982 MB300TD has a manual sunroof (and I have a strong right arm to prove it), but when it's closed, I have solid surface above me- so I can't see the sky, or feel the sun on me.
I will also never buy a vehicle without seat heat. Wish I could get seat cooling too (for those super hot summer days). I like performance, so I got an S. But I tested both an S and a Justacooper, and the Justacooper was fine- So if finances were a serious prob, not having an S might be a consideration. Leather VS combo VS leatherette VS cloth... Again, a personal preference- I got leather... in fact, I got the HC Lounge Leather & love it- but my kids are almost 9, and while they're not happy about it, they understand that when Mama says "no food, no drinks except water" they'll live with it. If my kids were younger, I'd either go for leatherette or the lesser cost leather, and then get a cover. I have leather in my Landcruiser and a full seat (including back) water-resistant cover over it- my back seat looks practically brand new- 9 years later, my front seats, especially the driver's side, is quite worn. As for leatherette, I know I just said to go for it... I drive horses and my harnesses are leatherette- they wear wonderfully, are incredibly strong and I doubt I'll ever buy a true leather harness. That said, after a day of driving, my horses are quite wet under the harness as the stuff doesn't breathe. I also have a couple of saddles made from leatherette and they just don't bend like a leather saddle would, so my horses do get sores and, again, hot spots. For that reason, leatherette would be right above cloth for MY PERSONAL tastes on a car.
Ok- my personal necessisties on a MINI would be anything to do with handling and performance. Like you, I have my kids in the car... and I came from driving either a tank (the mb 300td) or a powerful SUV (the Landcruiser), in either case, my driving habits are different than my driving habits in the Clubbie. And that's not to say I'm tearing around like a bat out of you-know-where, nor am I saying the Clubbie isn't safe- it's just different. For one, I've noticed a LOT of people (today especially) right on my tail. I mean nose up my exhaust. I don't like tailgaters... I don't care WHAT vehicle I'm driving... I tend to put on my flashers when I get tail gated, just to wake them up that I'm not happy... (my dh will throw the handbrake up a touch- not "on" but up a touch so that the tailgaters see it- and you guessed it- he's not been allowed to drive MY clubbie!)
In the Clubbie, unlike the MB or Landcruiser, I downshift more than use my brakes, so I feel a bit more... naked. At the same time, unlike my other cars, I feel like I can quickly manuever out of a situation. Therefore, Dynamic Stability Control, Sport Suspension, Limited Slip, are things I consider necessary- then again I live out in the country with LOTS of twisty roads, and I go into the city often... If I was just a city dweller, these things might not be so big for me.
Hmmmm... Rear Spoiler- got one. LOVE IT. Looks great. Don't know how much good it does, but it really is complimentary to the car. Roof Racks, got them too-noisy. But I plan to actually use them (bikes and kayaks), so they were necessary. But those could be added on later if you want, or if you don't have a need, don't do them. That said, if there was ever a run on Hot Chocolate Clubmen S's in the Nashville area, I would be able to tell mine from all the others due to the spoiler & the roof racks! (LOL). Another money saver, don't do the metalic paint. Altho it looks GREAT. But the metallic paint cost extra, then if you worry about chipping it (and metallics are so hard to touch up), you'll have to get the invisishield... ho hum (cha-ding!). One thing I also did was have window tint applied- by a local shop. My purpose there was to reduce interior heat, and make sure I wasn't going to get sunburned (have sun/skin issues). Got a newer tint that doesn't really darken the windows/sunroof, but does provide heat relief.
One thing I want, just because think they look good, are the round driving lights. They're expensive though, which is why I haven't gotten them yet. I'm going to try and find them out there in the world...
OK Julie, what'cha get?! I'm really curious.
I'm going to try and post pix in my gallery tonight. Of course, MochaLatte is already filthy... and I can't wash her for a few more days due to the invisishield. boo hoo....
giggle-
welcome to the "clubbie"-
Vivi
Things I could have lived without... the fancier stereo, the comfort bluetooth package (altho it's really convenient considering it's hard to drive a stick and hold a phone to my ear at the same time... and lawd above if the kids need a swackin' - argh! should'uv been born an octopus - just jokin' about swackin' the kids). Honestly, if I HAD to save some cash, I guess the Convenience package could have been done without.
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