Mini's - Suitable for 2 toddlers or just wishful thinking???

[OllieWollieWoo]

We are looking to get a second car and DH is trying to steer me into agreeing on a Mini Cooper (we used to have one pre-kids). Whilst I absolutely love them, my practical side is screaming "noooooooo" and I think we should be sensible and go for something a bit larger - like an Alfa 147 or Purgeot 207.

Does anyone have experience of driving a Mini with 2 small kids and if so, what are your thoughts? DS2 is now in a Quinny Zapp so boot space not really a big problem - but am wondering if space on the back seats is!

Thanks

what about an a-class(merc)? they are pretty zippy and fine for 2 kids

I used to have a mini but sold it when I got pregnant with ds. One of the problems, I guess, is that it only has 3 doors which I dont think is very practical with young children. Also depends how much shopping you do at one time as the boot isnt very big for all the groceries.

But, they ARE gorgeous and I am ashamed to admit I cried when we sold mine!

I'd be concerned about knackering my back by strapping two toddlers into the car on a regular basis. if you're buying new i'd guess your budget would stretch to a small 4 door car. Echo Hana re M

Do they have back doors?

If not, then you will knacker your back

They have 3 doors MB. I speak as the fond owner of a Cooper myself, but we held off buying it until our youngest reahed an age (3.9) whereby he could climb in himself and more or less manage the seat belt. He just needs a little help at the final click, so my back hasn't suffered.

Sigh - I had one until I got pregnant. Loved it. Think Merc A class look horrid though.

we had an a-class for about 4 years and I loved it!! Now have a 7 seater.....not nearly as nice!

Oh and I was thinking that maybe it would be ok when children are older as Mrspanic said. The boot space is TINY though.

Thanks for the really helpful comments. TheApprentice - I know exactly what you mean about having to give up a mini - I couldn't even bear to see who brought ours when we sold it and even DH had moist eyes when it was driven away (he claimed it was a speck of dust!) For ages, whenever I saw a mini, I couldn't help but give a little sigh! We went from a Cooper to a an estate which all seemed very grown up and sensible!

When I mentioned an Merc A class to DH he screwed his nose up a bit (I am clueless about cars whereas he likes to think of himself as a bit of a Richard Hammond - but a lot taller!) I see the point of waiting til the boys are a bit older to save wear and tear on my back - but not sure DH would go for me buying a different car now and then nagging in 2 years i want to change it! Boot space isn't really an issue as we do a big monthly shop online and only have to do top up shopping - mostly by foot. Oh decisions, decisions! I wonder what Messers Clarkson, May and Hammond would advise?????