Lotus and kids

[Drooles]

I currently have a Caterham 7 and a classic Mini Cooper. I’m seriously interested in a Lotus (and I crazily feel the need for pop up headlights). I’m interested in Excels, and would like a car that the whole family can enjoy, but must confess that I know very little about them.

I’m reasonably mechanically competent when it comes to straightforward servicing and repairs but I don’t own many specialist tools or have the aptitude for complex electronics etc.

Would I be mad to consider an Excel? Should I just put some seatbelts in the back of the Mini and get over the pop up headlights and the allure of a Lotus?

[TPoll]

I bought a 1992 Excel SE in 2002 when our daughter was 6 years old. She's now 23 and I still have the Excel.
A great choice. I've kept up with the regular maintenance and never had a serious problem.
I've also been doing long (2,000 miles) trips to Europe in the last couple of years without any issues.
Just buy the best you can - they are not so expensive.
Spares are readily available, should you need them.
There is also a great forum http://www.lotusexcel.net where you can find help, should you need it.
Tony

[Drooles]

Thanks, Tony.

The obsessive searching can now begin in earnest. Will the back seats take baby seats? My littlest one is 3 and still needs one. At what point did your little one get too big for the back or will an adult fit?

[TPoll]

My daughter was 6 when she started sitting in the back. Because the back seats are very sculptured she didn't use a child seat. I might have used a booster seat, but it's a while ago and I don't remember for sure.
She loved travelling there, often with her feet crossed!
Now she's saying "Dad, don't sell the Lotus. I want it!"
Others have used child seats and can recommend an exact model that fits. Apparently the Britax Adventure (http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5479 fits) but I don't have first hand experience.

[Drooles]

Thanks again. Good to get first hand advice