Types of cars

[BaileyBoy]

I have just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and is so painful when driving, getting in and stiffness as I have a BMW and is low. Do other taller cars does it make it more comfortable and easier to get in.

[Hidden]

That's an interesting question BaileyBoy, thank you! My hubby had a Megane Coupe which was really low down and since I'd had Fibro for a few years I got to the point where I couldn't drive it comfortably and had to give up. Getting in and out of it was a problem too!

I have a VW Golf and it's fine, the right height, seats comfy, steering wheel in the right position too. I used to find the gearbox in hubby's car was too far forward too, fortunately in my car it's fine and in a good position. Some days I can't drive due to my Fibro, but when I do thankfully it's comfortable in my VW!

It will be interesting to read what other members say about their cars.

[bruiser]

yes I have a Nissan quasqui cant spell tonite no bending involved slide in and step out its a nice height x

[fairycazzie]

I hav 2 . Vectra new which is low and landrover freelander which is high!

Highlander easy in out and Comfy!!! Vectra sporty and not so hmmm xxx

[jayjay57]

Hi, I don't drive but my husband has a Ford Mondeo, the front passenger seat is a nightmare for me to sit in for more than about 15 minutes even though I use a foam wedge to fill the low void in the seat and a Coccyx Cushion on top of the wedge, I do have Fibromyalgia and several other conditions one being Coccydenia, I feel like a prisoner in my own home as it I hardly ever go out because of the nightmare pain I'm in when sitting for any length of time, I even have to sit at my computer for very short periods at a time. I feel like my life has been stolen from me

[Hidden]

My carer, Mo, has a Kia cee'd and that is a pretty decent car for getting in and out of. My Hubby has a small Mitsubishi which is easy to get into but has one of the worst rides. I am usually wanting to get out in about 10 mins. Our other car is an old C Series Merc (P) which his brother gave us before he emigrated and that is really comfortable. Another car I found comfortable, when I wash lent one, was a Mazda 2. The seat height is perfect and the gear stick etc was comfortable to drive. Hubby wants to get a Smart car for pootling around town and that seems to have a tall seat but need to test it for its ride.

The car I would love ATM is a Nissan Juke, mainly because it looks like a cat about to pounce from the front lol!

Dx

[getactive]

I have recently got a Ford c max and this is ideal for getting in and out it is also a comfy drive the only drawback is that it is not very ecconomical x

[Hidden in reply to getactive]

Love these cars, my hubby had a Ford CMax as a hire car for his work and I wanted him to keep it! Very comfy and just the right height too! Only problem was it's economy which thankfully his work paid for lol!

[Hidden]

Hi yes i agree some cars are difficult my partner has got a lirttle honda spots car it so low i struggle getting out i can fall into it ok it is getting out lol now there is a sight to behold (especially if your in a skirt lol) i have got a rover 25 and find that ok my partner also had a partner van which is high and i find that ok to get in and out of soi prob would not recommend a sports car lol love to you diddle x

[siver52]

I agree also, my sons car is low and if he gives me a lift he has to push me out the door. Which I'm sure he loves lol. At least he waits till the car has stopped lol..I have a VW Polo automatic, coz I have probs with my wrists/fingers, and the seat can be adjusted and the steering wheel so I have made it perfect for me !!

[Ginsing]

I am lucky have a Mercedes and the seats hold you in position which is wonderful and you can adjust the back as you need. Driving is one thing I still really love . I have decided to change to a volkswagon (spelling atrocious) I need room in boot for dogs ad chair and things I will miss my lovely merc. There is nothing you can do except try Benfields are good and helpful good luck x gins

[phlebo123]

I have a VW Tiguan which is a great height for me. However I can only drive for short time periods without starting to stiffen up - so stop regularly to walk around and stretch my legs. My hubby has an Audi A5 which is low and it (and my husband's driving!) makes me sore and feeling nauseous. So if we are going out together then I always insist on driving so that I can take things at my own pace and stop for a break when needed! You will probably need to experiment by test-driving different models and when driving be prepared to stop for regular breaks.

[westgate]

hi!

did have a ford fusion, but due to discomfort i changed to a honda crv. im 5'9" so its a perfect height for me to slide in and out also when unloading shopping its on the right level so less bending about. my hubby has a volvo v40 which is so low it feels like my behind is dragging on the ground!

within the next two years due to hip pain i will probably exchange for an automatic, but still higher car.

have a great day

xx

[ember]

Hi when looking for my latest car i came across a little gem a renault modus, not advertised by renault it's a mini mpv so seat height is good and its good and you get good value from the diesel.

[retiredpharm in reply to ember]

I have had several Renault Scenic and have found them the most comfortable cars to drive or be a passenger in. Renault have always been known for having the most comfortable seating.

Nowadays they are economical and lower tax like a lot of cars depending on the engine. I also love the nokks and crannies of storage space that I have never seen on other cars, drawers under all the seats, storage compartments in the mat wells etc. I have not had a Modus but can quite inagine they are a smaller version of the Scenic

[bumblebee57]

Ive got a Renault Clio.the car's fine, but Ive seriously been thinking of getting an automatic as I find changing gear and the handbreak hard to deal with.Also I have arthritis in my feet, where my toes bend...ouch.I dont want to give up driving coz I need the car to get about,but its getting too painful.Pity you cant get a chaffeur on the NHS !!

[kraftyk8]

Hi Bailey Boy,

I'm short, so I had the opposite problem and I also had trouble managing the gear stick and clutch. Not to mention the cost of petrol

So I solved the problems by changing my car to an automatic Skoda Octavia tdi.

It has electric controls and settings for the drivers seat, so I can change the height between driving and getting in and out heights at the push of a button, how cool is that!

It cheaper on fuel too, as you getter much better mileage with a diesel, even when driving 'slightly' over the speed limit.

Happy hugs, kate :0

ps My husband is 6' and he loves it as much as I do

[BaileyBoy]

Wow!!! Didn't expect sooooo many responses than you so much. Looks like I will have to start looking around for something a bit more practical and higher so it's easier to get in/out of and something more comfortable. I did recently have a VW golf on hire has I had a "non fault" accident that was lovely, was an automatic and very economical. Not sure what my budget will allow but will try anything to lessen the pain. Thank you so much people!

[soulsusie in reply to BaileyBoy]

I have a mazda MX5, which is my absolute pride and joy, we bought for our 30th wedding anniversary, and a mini.

The mini is better for getting in and out, but the mazda is a cheeky chappy, I have learned to slide in ok, the getting out is rather comical to say the least, but I am not giving it up!!!

[nadine1974 in reply to BaileyBoy]

i give up my higher rate motability for a car, my car at moment is a nissan note auto , very easy to driv and enter exit, my 3 years is almost up so the middle august i get a kia ceed sw estate auto, cant wait as test drive was heaven!!! xx

[Hidden]

Wow indeed BaileyBoy! I am now an expert on so many cars and Fibro! Thanks to everyone, so interesting to read all about various models and problems with them!

[Fibrofighters]

I have a Astra but have been having difficulty getting in & out. I've been driving my husbands ford smax & it is a pleasure to drive you step out of the car into a standing position no climbing involved. The pedals are more push down rather than pushing your legs out making it easier on the legs, ankles & knees. The gear stick is on a 45 degree angle making gear changes easier on the wrists, the hand break is chunky & instead of being parallel to the chair it is horizontal (looks like something in a planes cockpit ) so is easier to grip. Also with it having big windows it has a good view & front & rear parking sensors also help when the top of your back/neck/shoulders are bad & turning is difficult it's always nice to have a helping hand

[jayjay]

Hi i have had my new car for a couple of months Ford Focus Zeteck Automatic, it is pretty easy to get into and i need a little help getting out of from hubby, only because i'm a wheelchair user, i find it very comfortable to drive also seats are very comfy and i have all the controls on my stearing wheel, to opperate the cd player/radio ect and also i can answer my mobile by a button on the stearing wheel too i love my new car, i always drove manual but had to go for auto because of cluch ect and pain in joints, but i wished i had changed over to auto years ago, my car is so comfortable and so smooth i love it and just a pleasure to drive xxxxx

[Spirit]

Believe it or not- I have a Vauxhall Vivaro VAN! VERY comfortable to drive, much easier to get in and out I find (though I did put nylon covers on seat so I could slip in)

Spirit x x x

[hamble99b]

I had a nissan micra automatic which was a delight to drive. it had seat height adjuster and multi- position steering wheel. I've just got a honda jazz auto which seems ok.

[Hidden]

I was recently thinking of changing cars, I currently have a nissan micra - but an old one. However easy or difficult I find it, I have to consider my Dad who is 86 with plastic knees and hips!

I also need to consider costs as so far I don't get mobility allowance but my Dad chips in for the car. I asked at a local car dealership and he directed me towards a 2012 style Fiat Panda. No tax etc and low petrol costs. I didn't test drive but the seats were very, very comfortable. Obviously, he was trying to sell cars but it was the least expensive new car on the lot and had a motobility sticker on it's windshield. I would be interested to hear if anybody had tried one out.

Christine

[hamble99b]

I liked my micra. you could also get one of those cushions that swivel round to help your Dad in and out. the 3 door micra has extra large doors too. hope this helps. regards, sandra.

[panda60]

Just gave my beloved 12yr old Fiesta to my son because I need an automatic. Hubby bought me a Kia Picanto and I am thrilled to bits with it. Reasonable price, 7yrs warranty and I got three years free service thrown in as well. It's easy to get in and out of and dead easy to park. Not too many knobs and buttons either! Getting around has got much easier.

Caroline

[Ang01]

I have a citroen C3 which I find both comfortable to drive and easy to get in and out of as it is a little higher than some of my previous cars. I am only short so if the car is too high I find it difficult to get my leg up high enough to get in and out of. Have friends with vauxhalls and find these very awkward. Trial and error I think though as we all tend to be different shapes and sizes so try as many as you can until you find one thats comfy for you. I also like the C3 cos the doors open quite wide which makes things a little easier. x