Recommendations

[LOUISASAM]

Hi all, just a quick question.....

Those of you who drive, what cars do you drive and what would you recommend? I'm having problems getting in and out of certain salon cars.

[Hidden]

Hi Louisasam, I drive a Nissan Note and I love it. Its just the right size for me and I can get my walker into the boot easily and also my mobility scooter if I need to . My husband would really like a bigger car but this is excellent for me.

[Grapes12]

I drive a Jeep Renegade and love it. I didn't want a big car but needed one that could take a hoist and my scooter, the Jeep has a really deep boot so fits everything into it perfectly.

My parents have a toyota yaris and I can't get out of that without assistance and it's a real struggle. But my Jeep as its so high up and off the ground I can get out of it much easier. It also has lots of hand rails I can grab onto and on the top it has a ladder rack on the top which helps me to get from wheelchair to the car, boot etc.

Hope this helps.

[ddmagee1]

Ford Escape SUV- high enough to get in and out of, fairly well.

[ConfusedAtaxian]

Hi Louissam. I had a Nissan Micra. No longer able to drive but hubby has a Nissan Juke - easy to get in and out of.

[Brommie]

Hi, I have a 21yr old automatic vw polo. I only do short drives 2/3 times a

Week and my husband is always with me. I have got a four wheeled shopper that fits in the boot and a disabled badge which means that I can park close to the shops.

[violasrbest]

Hi Louisasam

I have an SUV with electric tailgate and a Start button (rather than a key). I would always choose these options (plus automatic of course) , and I would really like automatic headlamp dip because I often accidentally indicate when I dip. I always banged my head on a normal car, but an SUV cured that.

[FFNick]

In the UK, motability.co.uk will filter your search. and they link to a site which shows ground clearance and seat to roof height. Motability is for leases but ignore that. I was extra lucky as dealership between services will adjust tyre pressures and fluid levels FOC.

A friend of mine took her road bicycle with her and bought a car which could carry bicycle. I nearly did similar with a walker.

Finding a firm to do the adapt-ions can be problematical. Electric doors, no key, altered pedals, hoist, ramp, can be done afterwards.

Getting in and out. Not sure who to ask for advice. Extra cushion to raise the seat pan. TO get in a car, I stand with my calves against the sill (facing backwards) then sit down. Now swing my legs in, but you knew this. If clothing and seat are not slippery enough slide round on a polythene bag. Found a use for old shopping bags and very clean sill.

We went round dealerships trying to get in and of their models. Worst Honda Jazz, best Vauxhall Mokka X

[february]

I have an SUV (Chevy Equinox), as it sits higher up so it's easier for me to get in and out of. I always have my cane (stick) in my SUV, as well as a lightweight rollator (which I can lift out if need be) in the back seat and a heavy duty rollator in the way-back (I need my husband to lift the heavy duty one out, so only use it if we go for a pleasure walk). My husband has a Pontiac Vibe, which sits low to the ground - not for me! I can drive a bit, but prefer my husband to drive me places I need to go and we always use my SUV..., ;o)

[LOUISASAM]

Thank you all for your great advice. I have asked for a PIP reassessment as I'm only getting the standard rate for mobility and enhanced for daily care.

[Veteran250 in reply to LOUISASAM]

My disability prevents me driving, but my wife drives our Motability Car, which is a Ford C Max..... its a push button start/stop ignition, sat nav, automatic headlights which turn on as it gets dark. rear parking warning sensor...... and the seats are at a comfortable level for getting in /out!