Cyclists, dog owners, and drive a mini cooper?

[Nokomis]

I've been craving a minicoop since they were first hinted at years back. Now that our life is decidedly child free, there is no reason not to place one in the garage. I'm still debating with him over which of our current cars to give up - he is trying to be responisble & keep the subaru wrx wagon, I say phooey ~ keep the 350z and if we need to "haul lumber" we can pay for delivery or rent a truck!

Anywho ~ we have two whippets, we only travel as a family (dogs + bikes + luggage) about 4x/year, and even at that our destination is usually within 3 hours drive and for at most 4 days. But, he's thinking this little car couldn't possibly handle our "stuff." Or a hearty grocery shopping trip.

So - do you own one? How have you integrated it into your life? Do you still love it?

[maillotpois]

My father in law has one. He is our SAG captain for our Team in Training rides. He can fit 2 bikes (on the rack), a couple of people and all his SAG stuff in the car (it's not hugely comfortable, but it works.)

One of my best friends has a mini. After we did the SF marathon last year, she fit 3 adults and a bicycle inside the car.

[MomOnBike]

Those boxy little cars hold considerably more than you'd think.

While not a mini-Cooper, we had a Mazda 323 hatchback that carried my bass, DH's horn, my viola, us & the child in her car seat in relative comfort. Oh yeah, we tended to stop for groceries on the way home after the concert, too. It can be done.

Another thought - if you only travel with the entire group only once or twice a year, you might save money by going with the smaller car and renting something bigger for the Big Trips. (And someone else has to clean it up if the dogs do something uncivil in the back seat. ) That's what we're doing now, and I like it.

[MINIskirt]

We have two MINI Coopers. And two dogs and two bikes. They are our dailly drivers, our only drivers in fact LOL We travel frequently with lots of stuff, the two of us and our dogs.

We're working on the bike rack, which will be able to hold two bikes. You'll find that when you lay the back seat down you can fit quite a bit in there.

[Nokomis]

yay! thank you all, I'm even more excited now! I had the same thoughts on a rental

Now to pick out a color

[Mr. Bloom]

The 70 year old woman who originally owned by Mercedes now drives a Coop and LOVES it...after 30+ years of a 280SL

Go for it! In RED

[Bron]

I have an classic mini and it's amazing how much stuff you can get in it (including a 6'4" husband), I even went to my wedding in it - big dress, veil, etc.

Myfanwy the mini:

[Tuckervill]

Is there any other color for a car than RED?

Karen (former owner of 4 red Beetles, a Red Ford F150, and now a Red Honda Element)

[GLC1968]

I drive a 2004 MINI Cooper S, have two dogs and we own 7 bikes.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Mini. I was tempted to trade it in for a convertible when they came out, but they don't have nearly the internal room that my hard top has. It holds TONS (including groceries!). We drove it full of gear from Tampa to Key West and were totally comfortable. I drove it from Tampa up to NC (for our move) with a dog and my clothing, and it was totally fine. I regularly carry my bike in it, or up to 2 bikes on the back of it (I've got a Saris bones rack) with no issues. I'm tempted to get a roof rack, but one of my bikes is pushing 30 lbs and even though the MINI's not that tall, I still don't want to be hefting that sucker up there on a regular basis.

Many of the tall men that I work with want to ride in it just to see if they'll fit. They do. My husband is 5'11" and LOVES to drive it. I am regularly elected to drive to group lunch functions because everyone wants to ride in it. 4 adults fit comfortably and I still have room to stash my bike gear behind the back seat.

Seriously, this is by far the best car I've ever owned, and I've had 8 since I started driving. Not only is there plenty of room, it's amazingly nimble, quick and fun to drive. I get decent gas mileage, I can always find parking, and it looks damn cute. What more could one want from a car?

This is not my actual car, but it looks just like it!

[Nokomis]

Okay, you should see how big my smile is!
I'm getting Very excited about this! I think I need to schedule a test drive or 3 this weekend.

I think I have my heart set on white roof & bonnet stripes ~ I won't bore you w/ all the problems I'm having with settling on a car color. It'd be a lot easier if DH didn't hate Brittish Racing Green.

[spokewench]

Okay, you should see how big my smile is!
I'm getting Very excited about this! I think I need to schedule a test drive or 3 this weekend.

I think I have my heart set on white roof & bonnet stripes ~ I won't bore you w/ all the problems I'm having with settling on a car color. It'd be a lot easier if DH didn't hate Brittish Racing Green.

Oooh I love Brittish Racing Green! Too bad your DH doesn't like it!

[DirtDiva]

You can get roof racks made by Mini to put the bikes on - know someone who has 'em on hers.

[Mr. Bloom]

I'm absolutely, flippin' jealous of all you coop owners!!!!! I love my classic benz, but my daily drivin' Lexus is SOOOOOOO BORRRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGG!