Car recommendations for 80 year old MIL
Discussion
It's time to upgrade the OH's mother's car.
Now then, she;s 80+, not daft yet, not the best driver in the world, but does still drive herself around quite comfortably and we could do with something to replace the Astra Estate she's been using for the last 15 years or so.
She uses it rarely now, maybe twice a week for local daytime only trips.
The main functional requirement would be something easy to get in and out of, she's quite a big lady and has a dodgy knee or hip, or both... and good visibility all round to make maneuvering around car parks etc... as easy as possible.
Budget up to £7k. Automatic and petrol. Nothing daft, keep to cheapie mass market makes. So far we're looking at Astras, Marivas, Mokkas tp keep things smallish and compact but not tiny.
What real world experience and advice would the PH massive suggest? The Honda Jazz still, or is there a new "old person car" on the streets?
Now then, she;s 80+, not daft yet, not the best driver in the world, but does still drive herself around quite comfortably and we could do with something to replace the Astra Estate she's been using for the last 15 years or so.
She uses it rarely now, maybe twice a week for local daytime only trips.
The main functional requirement would be something easy to get in and out of, she's quite a big lady and has a dodgy knee or hip, or both... and good visibility all round to make maneuvering around car parks etc... as easy as possible.
Budget up to £7k. Automatic and petrol. Nothing daft, keep to cheapie mass market makes. So far we're looking at Astras, Marivas, Mokkas tp keep things smallish and compact but not tiny.
What real world experience and advice would the PH massive suggest? The Honda Jazz still, or is there a new "old person car" on the streets?
Consider a Suzuki Splash auto, I worked in the Suzuki world when they came out and they’re reliable things with a raised seating position and compact footprint, quite nice to drive too.
Just had a quick look on AT, it’s funny to see they’re being advertised now (ten years on) for similar prices to what I was selling them as new and nearly new.
Just had a quick look on AT, it’s funny to see they’re being advertised now (ten years on) for similar prices to what I was selling them as new and nearly new.
Worth looking at a Panda 4x4. They’re slightly jacked-up so easier entry/exit than a typical super mini and this also gives pseudo SUV visibility for a small-ish car. They also have a “city” button for the power steering which makes it almost comically light for manoeuvring in car parks…
A nissan Note?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023102633...
My MiL has one, and loves it. Cheap to run, masses of room inside and been very reliable.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023102633...
My MiL has one, and loves it. Cheap to run, masses of room inside and been very reliable.
Nickp82 said:
Consider a Suzuki Splash auto, I worked in the Suzuki world when they came out and they’re reliable things with a raised seating position and compact footprint, quite nice to drive too.
Just had a quick look on AT, it’s funny to see they’re being advertised now (ten years on) for similar prices to what I was selling them as new and nearly new.
Meh. Daughter had a Vauxhall Agila. Gear cables went and stranded her. A year later, the brakes occasionally went to the floor. Probably a master cylinder issue but it seems they used more than one and it was a gamble to order one so it got traded in.Just had a quick look on AT, it’s funny to see they’re being advertised now (ten years on) for similar prices to what I was selling them as new and nearly new.
The Panda is a decent car, you don't need a 4x4. We have a last gen 1.2. I didn't like current gen Panda but there's no auto optio.
Have you considered a Ford Ka+. Often owned by older folk so treated kindly. Tend to keep their value though. Not sure if they do auto.
The Jazz is very reliable. Old dear next door has an 07 plate still crossing the country. Otherwise Aygo/C1/107 or Up/Citigo/ Mini but again not sure on the auto options.
Edited by LuS1fer on Sunday 24th December 17:49
Terzo123 said:
A nissan Note?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023102633...
My MiL has one, and loves it. Cheap to run, masses of room inside and been very reliable.
I was about to suggest the same, though I would completely discount the second-gen model linked above.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023102633...
My MiL has one, and loves it. Cheap to run, masses of room inside and been very reliable.
Buy the nicest, lowest-mileage first-gen example you can find (they made them up to about 2013). It's a much better car and you'll get change from £7k.
ZX10R NIN said:
The Kia Rio is a great little car, but it's sister, the Kia Venga is much easier to get in and out of.sparkythecat said:
ZX10R NIN said:
The Kia Rio is a great little car, but it's sister, the Kia Venga is much easier to get in and out of.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff