It is with great happyness (and sadness) to report that I had to trade in the old Mach 5. It's seen better days, but a lifetime of being driven hard for 3 years, and then the rest of it's life only driven short miles during the week was taking it's toll.
That, and well, having twin boys causing the size of your family to double does have a tendency to make you re-think your transportation choices.
So my '02 MINI Cooper S has been replaced with a 2012 Mazda 5. On the plus side, it drives like no other minivan, and it has a 6 speed. Probably one of the largest vehicles you can by with a stick shift. :D And I dare say, drives very mini-like for it's size (in other words, if you need to upsize, and the sligtly larger MINIs don't do much for you, try a 5). It's still nice to drive something that doesn't look like anything else on the road, and can suprise people with it's handling.
Oh, and it seats 6 and has room in the back for the giant double-stroller. Manditory requirements.
So, it's been great fun with the MINI, and I had fun with you all during the early days.