Car suggestions for Mother-in-Law

LisaO

My MiL needs to replace her car - 95 Corolla Jap import. Is looking for something a little smaller, wide opening doors (sliding doors would be great) due to restricted mobility, must be automatic & higher seating position. We were thinking along lines of Fiat Panda, Suzuki SX4, Opel Meriva, Peugeot 1007. Any other suggestions?

Would imagine buying new would be way to go as she would get full scrappage on her old car.

DubTony

Damn ! I opened this thread thinking it was a joke.

Max Power1

a friend of mine has a parent needing modified cars for restricted mobility. I'll give the garage they normally use a recommendation here http://www.carzone.ie/car-dealers/Dublin/Sweeney-&-Forte?searchsource=browse&cacheBuster=1272186228703482

they usually have a good stock of panda's etc that have been modified.


(mods: I am not a spammer, this is a genuine reccomendation however feel free to delete if need be)

LisaO

DubTony wrote: »

Damn ! I opened this thread thinking it was a joke.

Sorry to disappoint you lads!

LisaO

Max Power1 wrote: »

a friend of mine has a parent needing modified cars for restricted mobility. I'll give the garage they normally use a recommendation here http://www.carzone.ie/car-dealers/Dublin/Sweeney-&-Forte?searchsource=browse&cacheBuster=1272186228703482

they usually have a good stock of panda's etc that have been modified.


(mods: I am not a spammer, this is a genuine reccomendation however feel free to delete if need be)

Had a look at that link, thanks. She doesn't need an adapted car, just something with a bit of height to driving position, auto & wide door opening.

DonJose

Theres a grand oul Mini convertible knocking around Cork

cantdecide

Describe her useage.

LisaO

cantdecide wrote: »

Describe her useage.

Very little, TBH. Couple of trips to town & back per week, maybe 40k. Odd trips (all local) to relatives. Her current car (1994) has 30,000 km on clock!

BUT she has no access to public transport & would feel very lost without a car.

bazz26

The Panda might look appealing on paper but if your MIL needs wide doors then it may not be suitable as the Panda is quite a short car, being a 5 door means the front doors are not that wide. Also not sure the Panda was sold with an automatic gearbox here.

The Honda Jazz might be worth a look at but they are not cheap especially compared to the likes of the Panda. Most of the Jazz automatics are also Jap imports:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201007196929639

Another one to look at maybe is the Ford Fusion which is basically a tall Fiesta but she may find it a bit big:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201015197612798

Also have a look at the Mitsubishi Colt:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201018197896134

Really if she wants something with wide opening doors then a 3 door car will probably suit best as the doors are alot wider than their 4/5 door varient. Unfortunately trying to find a small 3 door automatic in this country will be difficult enough.

smash

Reliant Robin?

LisaO

bazz26 wrote: »

The Panda might look appealing on paper but if your MIL needs wide doors then it may not be suitable as the Panda is quite a short car, being a 5 door means the front doors are not that wide. Also not sure the Panda was sold with an automatic gearbox here.

bazz26 wrote: »

Really if she wants something with wide opening doors then a 3 door car will probably suit best as the doors are alot wider than their 4/5 door varient. Unfortunately trying to find a small 3 door automatic in this country will be difficult enough.

Know what you mean on 3 door v 5 door & 3 door would suit her needs fine but as you say, small 3 door autos are like gold dust here. Although if she bought new that would not be a problem.

Don't think the size of the Ford Fusion would be an issue, so that could be a good option. The Colt would be ideal but not sure if seat height would be adequate.

2 Espressi

Renault Modus/ Nissan Note are pretty tall, and have big doors for ease of access.
1.5 dCi Engine is pretty decent.

bazz26

LisaO wrote: »

Know what you mean on 3 door v 5 door & 3 door would suit her needs fine but as you say, small 3 door autos are like gold dust here. Although if she bought new that would not be a problem.

Don't think the size of the Ford Fusion would be an issue, so that could be a good option. The Colt would be ideal but not sure if seat height would be adequate.

The best thing to do is get here to test drive a few different cars prior to deciding.

Viper_JB

big doors?

LisaO

2 Espressi wrote: »

Renault Modus/ Nissan Note are pretty tall, and have big doors for ease of access.
1.5 dCi Engine is pretty decent.

Was driving behind a Modus yesterday & thought it might be a contender.

bazz26

2 Espressi wrote: »

Renault Modus/ Nissan Note are pretty tall, and have big doors for ease of access.
1.5 dCi Engine is pretty decent.

Good call on the Nissan Note, forgot about them:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201015197597278

LisaO

Viper_JB wrote: »

big doors?

Anyone who would let their M in L loose in that should be locked up

Henry Ford III

Here's what my M.I.L. should be driving