I'm on the verge of purchasing a MINI S. I want to know from you out there that are living everyday with a MINI how it might fare with two children in the rear. Is there enough room? Would you feel safe with the kids in the back? Any feedback will be appreciated. I hope to join your ranks.

 

I have two boys, seven and ten, that I pick up every day from school in my mini. Both of them love the way people talk about the car when we get in. The car has made them more popular at school as well. (Who knew!?!)

I also haul people around from my office as they all want to ride in the mini. They all find the back seat quite comfortable. I do however have to move the drivers seat closer to the steering wheel than I normally do, but the height and wheel adjustment allow my 6'-2" 270lbs +/- to fit quite comfortably in da' mini.

The only complaint that I have heard was related to the speed in which we were able to get to a meeting. One of my partners will now not ride with me when I offer to drive! O well... his loss!

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Welcome. I'm pretty new here myself. I own a Mini Cooper S and have two (beautiful) daughters who just turned 7 and 9 years old. I brought them along on my two test drives before buying. I DO feel that they are safe in the back seat. The car has good crash test ratings, 6 airbags and the back seat seems cocoon-like.
On the flip side, there just isn't any leg/knee room in the back seats unless the front seats are scooted forward some. I usually prefer to drive with the seat as far back as it goes. So, when BOTH kids are with me I must move forward. That's OK once I'm in place, but getting in and out is not easy for me with the seat too far up. Maybe in the warmer weather when they are wearing little sandals they can sit cross-legged back there and I can have my space in front. But not now with their Minnesota snow boots on.

 

About your concerns: safe? Absolutely. Two kids? If they're gangly teen-agers, probably not. 12 or13 down to child seats, should be no problem. Any 2 door w/ kids will be less convenient. Fun factor outweighs lack of convenience many times over. Can't imagine kids minding that they get to ride in Mom and Dad's MINI- their friends will all be impressed w/ the way cool ride!

 

Thanks for the input folks. I believe a test drive with the 10 and 7 year old daughters is in order. It sounds as if I'd better take my checkbook with me once they've ridden in it.

 

They will think it is the coolest car in the world when they are in it... trust me.

jc

 

Two kids everyday, to and from school. Backpacks in the back.

No problems, and they love the car and the attention it gets. Their friends yell, scream and wave everytime we pass them.

Plenty of room for them, and more than enough fun!