Anybody got a MINI?

[EmmaNicole]

I need to buy a new car and my heart wants a MINI, but I'm concerned about the practicallty of it! I have a 17 month old, and a Bugaboo Bee pushchair. 3 doors and a small boot - am I being silly?? Does anybody have a MINI, and if so, how do you cope getting a little one in and out of the back, and fitting a pushchair in?? Grateful for any feedback.....either way......

We have a mini - I don't drive so opt out of all car related things and it is DHs dream car and he wouldn't change it for the world. But to be honest I don't think it is the most toddler friendly car in the world. I've have had a sore head/shoulder/back on many an occasion from bumps climbing in and out of the back to strap DD in or get her out (sleeping toddler is the hardest!) The buggy won't fit in without putting the other back seat down - we had a mircolite so the length was a problem (not width.) We gave up on having a buggy pretty early. If you do a big weekly shop which includes bulky items like nappies/kitchen rolls you will have alot of that in back too. And it is a very complicated task packing it up for a holiday and will always end up with lots of things visible.
Think it will be great when DD is in the booster seat and we have been very lucky in that she likes being strapped in etc so not struggling but it has still been difficult.
Benefit is that it is pretty easy to reach DD from the front, retrieve items from the floor with climbing out of your seat etc and she loves the view.

Sorry, if this isn't the most positive. MY DH would say just buy it though. Hope it helps.

Thx! Your reply confirms everything I thought about the impracticality...but I hadn't considered the couple of postives so that's good. My DH has a big saloon car so we'd probably use that at the weekend/hols etc. On balance I know it wouldn't be a great idea.....BUT I do love them. And the resale value's very good apparently? Think I'll go and have test drive at the weekend...when you've got an itch!!
Thx

I have a Mini and 2 DDs and it is fine. The Bee will fit in the back without any problems as long as you don't have a CD changer. I know because I have one. I could even get a Buzz in there with the wheels on! There isn't much leg room in the back so you don't have to reach too far to the car seat. Plus your DC will be able to climb in and out of a car seat which helps. I get really when people tell me I need a new car as Minis aren't child friendly.