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Best car choice for mbility impaired???

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  • 23-11-2010 11:49am
    #1
    Nafianna9
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭


    Guys, My dad recently suffered a stroke which has left him with serious mobility problems. I'm thinking of replacing his car with something that my mum can use to get him around - unfortunately his driving days are over so he'll be a passenger from now on. He's not in a wheelchair so a converted vehicle isn't necessary, but we may need to use a chair from time to time so sufficient storage to carry one would be good.He's a big guy - 6'3" and about 18 stone. Not overweight, but pretty big. As you can imagine it's a struggle for my mum when we're not there so any little conveniences we can introduce will help. As regards a car I'm think about ease of access, seat size / comfort, headroom - a vehicle generally designed to deliver comfort, easy access and plenty of storage for a folded chair or walking frame.This is all new to me and any advice I could get would be really helpful. Thanks in advance guys.


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    #2
    fergal.b
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,328 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    Hi nafianna9, there are a few things to think about when getting a car and lots of options.

    The height of the seat off the ground some low cars can be very hard to get into and up and out of. You might find a seat like this handy http://photos2.donedeal.ie/View2-4465735.jpeg

    A lot of two door cars have bigger doors and wider opening that help with getting in and out.
    Try going around some dealers and sitting in the cars to see if they are ok putting yourself in your dads shoes.

    These are very popular
    Fiat doblo
    http://pictures.autotrader.ie/servlet/media?
    id=11039201&width=400&height=300

    It may be worth giving motability Ireland a ring I am sure they will help you out, http://www.motabilityireland.com/

    Best of luck.


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    #3
    Eph1958
    Registered Users Posts: 234 ✭✭Eph1958


    Hi, the Spokeout magazine (http://www.iwa.ie/information/spokeout.aspx) often has cars already adapted, usually with low mileage. Might be worth a look. Getting cars adapted is expensive and generally lowers the resale value of the vehicle. Good luck.


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    #4
    Rev Hellfire
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,346 ✭✭✭Rev Hellfire


    fergal.b wrote: »
    It may be worth giving motability Ireland a ring I am sure they will help you out, http://www.motabilityireland.com/

    Best of luck.

    I'd second that, very helpful bunch of people.

    On the resale, unless you have had structural work like lowering the floor its typically not an issue if you get them reversed.

    I had a Mazda 5 a few years ago and would suggest you look at similar cars with sliding doors, they really help when it comes to accessibility.


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