F56 hatch/ convertible will 2 kids fit

[ghost83]

Missus is wanting a mini f56 3dr hatch or convertible

Would a 5yr old and an 8yr old fit?

Literally a school run and general runabout car we have a bigger car for loadlugging

[cerb4.5lee]

I can't speak about the convertible, but I've got a F56 Cooper S 3dr and both my 12 and 4 year old fit in behind me(12 year old sits behind me)ok. I'm only 5'8" though so with a taller driver I reckon it will be fairly tight.

[ghost83]

cerb4.5lee said:

I can't speak about the convertible, but I've got a F56 Cooper S 3dr and both my 12 and 4 year old fit in behind me(12 year old sits behind me)ok. I'm only 5'8" though so with a taller driver I reckon it will be fairly tight.

I’m 5ft 9 so that’s good to hear with the hatch

[paultownsend]

I didn’t realise that children under the age of 12, or under 135cm have to use seats. Is this the case with either of yours?

We had to move on the old R56 MCS 3 door because it was getting on a bit, plus we got a great trade in price.
We really wanted a 3 door F56 MCS, but the 3 door just would not work with having a kid in the next 18 months.

I know it’s different for your circumstance.

[cerb4.5lee]

paultownsend said:

I didn’t realise that children under the age of 12, or under 135cm have to use seats. Is this the case with either of yours?

My 12 year old just sits on the seat as it is, and my 4 year old has a very slim backed child seat. It was a pain when my youngest was younger with a baby seat and isofix base though for sure.

[ghost83]

Both my kids use recaro young hero seats I think with the isofix built in,

I’m looking to order her the car for March to which my kids are full time at school so they won’t be in it much only on school runs at pickup and if she needs to pop to town, I will only occasionally drive it,

She’s 5ft 5 and she pulls the seat so far bloody forward in her current car lol

[stevemcs]

The issue with the rear seats other than lack of legroom is the rear seats are near vertical, also you need the windbreak to stop the draft, with that in place the rear seats are of no use.

I'm 6'4" and with the seat in position the seat just about touches the rear bench, for short trips the kids will be fine but they won't want to travel far in there. I can get pictures of ours tomorrow if you want any, the car that is, not kids as we don't have any

[paultownsend]

I think the only way you are going to find out is by going to a dealership and trying the seats and kids in the back, and getting them in and out.

The seats do not pull forward as much as you think. We were looking at the JCW, so had the Recaros, but I don’t think you could physically get those mini Recaros in through the front. Once there in they’ll be in.

It won’t be a pleasure for them. It will be cramped and a pain getting in and out.

[ghost83]

I’ve spoke to mini this morning so will arrange a test drive,

The 2 cars she likes are the A1 and mini,
I’d personally prefer the mini out of the 2

Been told test drives are unaccompanied now as well

[12TS]

I wouldn't want to do it in a 3 door hatch regularly. Getting in and out of the back is a tricky exercise with the seats (and especially if the door opening is restricted)

[ghost83]

12TS said:

I wouldn't want to do it in a 3 door hatch regularly. Getting in and out of the back is a tricky exercise with the seats (and especially if the door opening is restricted)

She currently drives a 3dr corsa c 2006 (56) the kids climb in and do their seat belts so they’re fairly good,

[paultownsend]

Go for it. We had to go 5 over 3 door because of a potential baby and existing dog (likes to sit on heated seat!).

Also, the 5 door is hideous! Thankfully I can’t see the outside from the drivers seat

[ghost83]

paultownsend said:

Go for it. We had to go 5 over 3 door because of a potential baby and existing dog (likes to sit on heated seat!).

Also, the 5 door is hideous! Thankfully I can’t see the outside from the drivers seat

Yes the 5dr is not for me whatsoever I do like the countryman but the wife doesn’t

She’s always wanted a mini or mini convertible, i always wanted a mini so I think she will have one, just need to get in touch with the dealer and arrange a test drive

[paultownsend]

The 5 door still drives like the 3 door. I couldn’t tell the difference. And it is quite a bit more practical.

[Majorslow]

I would get their booster seats, chuck them in the back, get the children to sit on them, then adjust your seat so that you can drive comfortably, then ask the children's opinion.

The leg room on a mini at the back is poor. If they are uncomfortable or are kicking you in the back you will all soon fall out.

I am 5 foot 8", and the leg room behind me is poor that anyone sat there taller than me would be uncomfortable after about 10 mins, anyone taller might not be able to get in!

I have 160k worth of miles in my Mini. So feel I can comment with good experience. They are great cars for 2 in the front. When I bought mine my kids were 11 and 13, and "OK" with the leg room in the back, now refuse to get in back for more than 20-30 mins as fully grown, and uncomfortable

Like already said the rear of these cars are not easy to get in and out of either, and boot small, they are also have only 4 seats, so carting friends around can be restrictive.

I'm not talking you our of one, only pointing out it's not so good points. Mine has been used as a learner car, and worked very hard, has been reliable. I like it very much, but as like all cars they have things that are not as good as others, and rear passenger space is one of them