Advice on a taller car with easier access required for my folks

[cripesamighty]

Hi all,

I was talking to my folks today and it seems their VX Commodore is now a little too low for them to comfortably get into and out of. My dad's knee is starting to play up in particular. They were looking to spend around $10k on a 'taller' replacement vehicle and did not mind what car brand so long as it enabled easier access, had 5 doors with a decent rear storage area and was an auto. Less than 10 years old with under 200,000km would be preferable.

They like the RAV4, X-Trail, Freelander type look, but are not concerned if can go offroad. They have only ever owned sedans and station wagons over the last 50+ years so this might be a nice change for them! Their last car before the VX was a Camry but that was recently written off after someone ran into the back of it.

I was after some advice from the collective brains trust on what might be a suitable vehicle for them to move 'up' into. Something that will last at least the next 4 or 5 years, without too many ongoing issues. I had a quick look at a 2004 TD4 Freelander 1 with an auto box which looked tidy enough from the outside (yard was closed), but I have no idea of its service history. Am open to whatever suggestions you guys/gals think would suit, so I can run a few options past them and help narrow down their search.


Regards,

Cripesamighty

[AndyG]

My initial thoughts of course was a Defender :p but seriously I found the Honda CRV a great vehicle,

[Homestar]

Yes, the Commodores are difficult to get in and out of. Had one for the last 4 years with work, and it bloody near killed me. Just got its replacement - a Captiva. While I don't recommend getting one, this style of car - the small SUV - is very easy to get in and out of. They aren't high up, so you don't have to climb up into them, but your not sitting down low either like a normal sedan or wagon.

I'd give another vote for the CRV - Honda make great cars - maybe not the most inspiring, but well built and reliable.

[pop058]

My in-laws went down the Rav-4 path for this exact reason. The car itself is not very comfy and does not have cruise, but works well for the reason they bought it.

[DiscoMick]

Daughter has a X Trail and loves it.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[cafe latte]

I dont know how oldies get in and out of cars at all, I always drive 4x4's and on a recent trip to the UK the first time I tried to get out of my dad's car I seriously thought how bleep am I going to get out of this and I am quite fit and only 43!!
Anyway re car advice one of the best of the soft 4x4's is the Subaru forester, the diesel is stunning on fuel and the motors are unbreakable. Back in Italy the father in law had the petrol one, he bought it when they first came out in Italy around 2000. In Italy when you go to fill up with fuel the garage asked if you want the oil checking, clearly a local garage liked selling the father in law oil as when I changed the oil for him I noticed it was full to the top of the dipstick!!!! This much oil would have blown all the oil seals on most cars, but it did not worry the Subaru. My father in law does not see to well either and often clipped kerbs again no damage was done to the wheel bearings or anything else apart his tyres and rims. He had the car for 10 years and he over reved it big time he is a horrible driver, but when he left Italy (he lives in Aus too now) he sold it to a farmer friend who still drives it and it is still going strong years later. Few cars will feel like a car to drive and yet be good off road and be really economical too and tough, but the Subaru is. You should be able to pick up a good used one within your budget, if you cant get the diesel one for the money you will get the petrol one for sure.
Chris

[ramblingboy42]

I couldn't go past the VW Tiguan for them.

It is a very very good car.

My son recently had a loaner Skoda Yeti. I was very impressed with that.

Both are very accessible, seats at just below hip height....lean in , swivel , and you're in.

I have a real problem getting out of my wifes VW golf. Your bum is lower than your knees when you swivel to get out of the seat. I have to grab the glass 'a'pillar which leaves finger marks which she has to clean.

[p38arover]

Forester. We've had three. We currently have a turbo Forester.

We hired a RAV4 when on holidays a couple of years back and it wasn't nearly as good as our previous (no-turbo) Forester to drive.

[UncleHo]

I have a diesel auto Discovery1 and we love it,simple pre computer diesel 10ltr per 100klm and a full chassis,4x discs and heaps of space,I need a walking stick to get around and with side steps I have no problems getting in and out they also have 4 above door hand grips love the thing.

[cafe latte]

I have a diesel auto Discovery1 and we love it,simple pre computer diesel 10ltr per 100klm and a full chassis,4x discs and heaps of space,I need a walking stick to get around and with side steps I have no problems getting in and out they also have 4 above door hand grips love the thing.

It might be a bit big for the oldies though even if it is a great car, also a bit thirsty IMO if you dont need a big 4x4 and it is not going to go off road. The Subaru only uses 5l per 100km too. I would take the Landy every time but my needs are different, my firend has a D1 and he lived down a rough as guts track you really needed to engage the central diff to get to his house. The D1 coped that for years with no issues, so it is a great 4x4, but if you just need a high car to get in and out of that is economical for an older person I would look elsewhere personally.
Chris

[mick88]

My wife was looking for a new car and wanted to get an SUV type vehicle.
I suggested she give the Suzuki Grand Vitara consideration as it has good open access as we are getting older and having to fold up like a Joseph Rogers bunny knife to climb in and out of all these other low roofed and sloping "A" pillar things that are about. The Vitara also has a generous cargo area would meet her other needs of carrying golf buggies and bags.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a flat entry (no sill lip) and nice high open access and sensible seating so that your legs are dependant, not stretched out like a sports car.
We have had ours over two years now and we are both very happy with it.


Cheers, Mick.

[PhilipA]

IMHO about the easiest cars to get in and out of are the Mercedes A/B series and Honda Jazz.
The older Mercedes A does not have a sill and you can just open the door and sit down. The new ones have retreated from the "tall" concept , but the B series still looks tall.
IMHO the Honda Jazz is the other Stand out. My wife reckons if she won $1M, she would not swap her Jazz. I am 65 and 189CM and 115Kg and my wife is 68 and about 178Cm and we both can be comfortable.

A lot of journos complain that the seats are flat, but do you want high boslters on a city car? The Recaros in my D2 have high bolsters , but you wouldn't want to be getting in and out all the time, although it tends to be an enlightening experience for ladies.
Regards Philip A

[Grumbles]

My wife was looking for a new car and wanted to get an SUV type vehicle.

I suggested she give the Suzuki Grand Vitara consideration.......

Cheers, Mick.

I would suggest that the Suzi Grand Vitara with the 2.4 litre petrol engine be totally avoided. They are well known for cracking their engine blocks which often happens once the car is out of factory warranty. Wreckers cannot keep up to the demand for second hand engines and consequently ask a fortune for them if they do happen to get one.

Not sure if $10G is diesel Suzi territory but if it is perhaps stay well away. DPF failures costing $6G, expensive turbo failures and the major service costs $3G.

[cafe latte]

My wife was looking for a new car and wanted to get an SUV type vehicle.
I suggested she give the Suzuki Grand Vitara consideration as it has good open access as we are getting older and having to fold up like a Joseph Rogers bunny knife to climb in and out of all these other low roofed and sloping "A" pillar things that are about. The Vitara also has a generous cargo area would meet her other needs of carrying golf buggies and bags.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a flat entry (no sill lip) and nice high open access and sensible seating so that your legs are dependant, not stretched out like a sports car.
We have had ours over two years now and we are both very happy with it.


Cheers, Mick.

The Inlaws bought a two door Grand Vitara when they arrived in Aus. My father inlaw is typical Italian in that he is not very tall. He wanted another Subaru, but he was used to driving on the other side of the road and he is not the best of drivers as it is. He sat in the new at the time Subaru, but he could not see the nearside corner of the car. It did not worry him in Italy, but the worry of driving in another country was at the time a deal breaker. He likes his Grand Vitara but does now wish he bought the Subaru. The Vitara has been totally reliable so far, but he moans about the blind spot in the rear corners. Loading space is very good indeed for a small car, but IMO it is still rather low to get in and out of. He also should not have bought the 3 door as it is a pain in the butt when we go out with them. My father in laws biggest regret was he did not wait another 12 month as the Subaru seating position was improved (his friend has a newer one) and little people like him can now see the front of the car.
I do agree though the Vitara is not a bad car at all, it should be on the list as a car is very personal.
Chris
I did not know about the engine issues mentioned re the Vitara, my father inlaw only drives to the supermarket now he is getting on so the car only does limited km's.

[33chinacars]

You could get a nice Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento for that money . Both recommended. Had our Santa Fe for 8 years / 220,000 kms not problems. Sorry to see it go. Needed more room for pram & a weelie walker. Bought a P38 RR

[RHS58]

Yesterday I ordered a new Honda HRV.
Smaller SUV than the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 etc
Mrs very happy after much seat testing for her back problems.

Rented a Nissan QuashQai in Ireland 2 years ago (Nissan Dualis in Aust) - I'm no Nissan fan but thought it was a ripper little car. May be a few of these on the 2nd hand market that will be better for OP's budget.

Ron

[DoubleChevron]

he obviously likes big aussie cars ... given that, I'm sure a RWD petrol territory will be something he could come to grips with... parts and servicing should be a breeze .............. :)

seeya,
Shane L.

[Avion8]

A Mitsubishi Outlander is in this price bracket - the LG model from around 2008 preferably with the 5 speed manual. We had one for nearly 100,000kms & took it all over WA, down tracks, on the beach. We did order the full size spare which I still have brand new, as it doesn't fit the Peugeot version (18" as opposed to 16 on the Mitsubishi).

Also during my many years in Singapore our company cars were Mitsubishi as was the airside ramp vehicle, & we never had a problem with any of them. Servicing was also very reasonable.

[loanrangie]

Forester. We've had three. We currently have a turbo Forester.

We hired a RAV4 when on holidays a couple of years back and it wasn't nearly as good as our previous (no-turbo) Forester to drive.

Suby would be my pick also.

[cripesamighty]

Thanks everyone. Those suggestions are a great place to start. Will head out with the folks on the weekend with this list of cars and see what they like best. I actually own a 300Tdi D1 manual, which my dad likes but mum thinks the turning circle is a too bit big. :p Maybe I should throw an auto D1 on the list anyway as a rank outsider! Ha Ha

[PhilipA]

I don't know about Foresters but the 2006 Subaru Liberty wagon that my daughter and SIL has, has always had a graunchy gearchange.

Turns out to be the clutch and last week threw a wobbly, and over $2200 because they have a dual mass flywheel.
Regards Philip A

[cafe latte]

I don't know about Foresters but the 2006 Subaru Liberty wagon that my daughter and SIL has, has always had a graunchy gearchange.

Turns out to be the clutch and last week threw a wobbly, and over $2200 because they have a dual mass flywheel.
Regards Philip A

I am surprised you had problems as the father in law rides the clutch like nobody I know and his clutch never thew in the towel in 10 years of use. It used to often borrow is car when we went to Italy and the gear changes were super smooth. It is painful for me to watch him coming out of his garage, really high revs and creeping out super slow as he rode the clutch. If you bought it new maybe it should have been returned as a warranty issue, if you bought it used maybe the previous owner was (if it is even possible) worse than my father in law :eek:
In all my years of driving I have never had to change a clutch plate on a car except on a Citroen BX years ago as a spring broke on the plate, but the plate itself was not worn. If a person changes gear correctly there is really no reason for a clutch plate to fail IMO
Chris

[DoubleChevron]

I am surprised you had problems as the father in law rides the clutch like nobody I know and his clutch never thew in the towel in 10 years of use. It used to often borrow is car when we went to Italy and the gear changes were super smooth. It is painful for me to watch him coming out of his garage, really high revs and creeping out super slow as he rode the clutch. If you bought it new maybe it should have been returned as a warranty issue, if you bought it used maybe the previous owner was (if it is even possible) worse than my father in law :eek:
In all my years of driving I have never had to change a clutch plate on a car except on a Citroen BX years ago as a spring broke on the plate, but the plate itself was not worn. If a person changes gear correctly there is really no reason for a clutch plate to fail IMO
Chris

I've changed a few clutches ... mostly 'cos I've bought the cars cheap 'cos the clutch is slipping. I've only had two clutches fail that were in my ownership, a Citroen BX that had 290,000kms on it's original clutch (the thowout bearing ate through the pressure plate) and my Citroen CX turbo, I didn't fit a turbo petrol pressure plate when I replaced the clutch after purchasing it, so it started slipping now long after I fitted it.... sigh ....

I still reckon a territory would be on the money for an easy to get into/out of with very reasonable running costs and ease of maitenance. Especially if it's on gas.

seeya,
Shane L.

[mick88]

I would suggest that the Suzi Grand Vitara with the 2.4 litre petrol engine be totally avoided. They are well known for cracking their engine blocks which often happens once the car is out of factory warranty. Wreckers cannot keep up to the demand for second hand engines and consequently ask a fortune for them if they do happen to get one.

Not sure if $10G is diesel Suzi territory but if it is perhaps stay well away. DPF failures costing $6G, expensive turbo failures and the major service costs $3G.



I wasn't aware of this, first I have heard of it!
So Grumbles, what are the wreckers selling then, if all the 2.4's have cracked blocks?


Cheers, Mick

[Grumbles]

Hey Mick.

I am well aware of the problem as is the Suzi dealer I deal with because sadly I have two 15 month old 2.4 engined Suzi Grand Vitaras sitting in my driveway. A 'his' and 'hers' situation. No cracks..........yet.

Due to the exorbitant cost of a new factory engine owners with cracked engines are competing for any still viable second hand engine from a wreck and if they find one have it fitted and then sell their car. The issue applies to the Kizashi as well.

Incidentally - I never said 'all". That is just your misinterpretation of what I posted.

Cheers

[clubagreenie]

Don't get an xtrail. We have one and has had 1 engine replacement (and rebuilt) and then a head gasket and it's suffering a warped block but used studs and managed to pull it back more than half the outage.

Major issues with cam/cranks sensors (I carry spares but if it's an issue disconnect the can sensor and temp sensor next to it and it starts and runs!). Timing chains are crap which causes the sensor issues. It was the cause of the first engine failure. The chain stretched so far (at 145,000k's) that eventually it couldn't adjust in the ECU for the timing discrepancy. The only total solution is a kit of Lamborghini chains and gears modded to suit. Kit ~~$4K plus fitting which is engine out.

[cripesamighty]

Ok, sounds like the X-Trail is off the list. Am dragging my dad out tomorrow morning to look at a range of cars and see which is the best fit for them. After I narrow down a model I will begin my hunt for their new car. Thanks for all the input. It will make all the difference in choosing the right car for them.

[LandyAndy]

I have trouble getting into and out of my boys XR6 due to a buggered back.We have a Territory,thats perfect to get in and out of.Then there is the D4,I lower that to perfection to get in and out.
Look at a Territory,great vehicles,ours is a Ghia with the XR6 turbo motor,its a rockectship and has the 6 speed auto used in the D3/D4.
Andrew

[DiscoMick]

Don't get an xtrail. We have one and has had 1 engine replacement (and rebuilt) and then a head gasket and it's suffering a warped block but used studs and managed to pull it back more than half the outage.

Major issues with cam/cranks sensors (I carry spares but if it's an issue disconnect the can sensor and temp sensor next to it and it starts and runs!). Timing chains are crap which causes the sensor issues. It was the cause of the first engine failure. The chain stretched so far (at 145,000k's) that eventually it couldn't adjust in the ECU for the timing discrepancy. The only total solution is a kit of Lamborghini chains and gears modded to suit. Kit ~~$4K plus fitting which is engine out.

Our daughter hasn't had any of those issues with her X Trail. The new model also has a much roomier body and the diesel opton for economy.

Another option might be the Ford Kuga - an advanced design very popular overseas and Ford here is doing deals at the moment.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[clubagreenie]

New model = newer engine.

QR25 early has lots of development available ex US that addresses all the issues. Starts with whole new head and sandwich plate which requires ~~800thou taken off the block as a start to make room.

[jx2mad]

My wife has a Hyundai Tuxson (spelling?) It has high front seats which suits me with my two artificial knees

[cripesamighty]

Well, just been out with Dad and he is quite partial to the RAV4, X-Trail and Grand Vitara. Wasn't so fussed with Ford/Holden models (don't ask), or any models with a small load area. Will head out with him on Tuesday arvo for a much longer look at cars and narrow down a model choice for him. Just wondering Clubagreenie, if you knew whether the revised QR25 engine in the 2007+ models was better than the older ones as dad actually found a 2008 model he thought was perfect for their needs.

[bushrover]

My initial thoughts of course was a Defender :p but seriously I found the Honda CRV a great vehicle,

+1.

My first though was my Parents HRV. They just lean back and swivel around to get in. When they were looking they tried each vehicle for ease of access and egress first and the Honda was it.

Rick

[clubagreenie]

Not sure as the replacement was 2006 sourced and rebuilt.

A lot of the major issues were with the US models but they (you know, them) say that ours came from a different plant. But the engines who knows. The cat converter in IN the ex manifold. Breaks up and ceramic dust gets sucked back into the engine (@70-100K Km) causing major damage.

Crank/cam sensors. Fuel fillers requiring multiple replacement due to rust (recall campaign),

[cripesamighty]

Showed mum an X-Trail today and she was hoping for something slightly smaller. I guess that count the X-Trails out, problems or not. Going to check out some more cars tomorrow.

[DiscoMick]

If the X Trail is too big that also rules out the CRV and Rav 4. If the budget allows how about a Nissan Dualis or that Suzuki wagon whose name I forget? Ford Kuga also worth a look.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[clubagreenie]

Nissan Juke?

[cripesamighty]

Will have a look-see tomorrow at as many different models as possible. I also think her problem is more that she perceives the X-Trail to be too large, given she is currently driving a Commodore!

[cafe latte]

Will have a look-see tomorrow at as many different models as possible. I also think her problem is more that she perceives the X-Trail to be too large, given she is currently driving a Commodore!

Did you show them the Subaru?
Chris

[DiscoMick]

X-Trails, particularly the older models, are smaller than Commodores. I'm 6ft 2 inches and I can sit comfortably in the back of the daughter's X-Trail.

[cripesamighty]

We are heading out fairly shortly to look at a few car yards, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota etc, so will hopefully look at everything that's on offer and see what they like the best. Crossing my fingers!!

[shanegtr]

I remember reading an article a while ago about the toyota Rukus - apparently was aimed/marketed at the younger car buyer, but instead the vast majority of sales went to older people as the big doors made it easy to get in and out of

[mick88]

Probably already been mentioned but what about the Freelander 2.
I don't know much about them but they are a nice looking jigger and appear to offer good access and egress.

Cheers, Mick.

[DiscoMick]

Probably already been mentioned but what about the Freelander 2.
I don't know much about them but they are a nice looking jigger and appear to offer good access and egress.

Cheers, Mick.


Yep, Freelander 2 has plenty of head height and is well-regarded for its reliability. Parts are available too.


Another option would be a Mitsubishi ASX, which is a compact SUV wagon. Some rellies have one which they've flogged and neglected and it just keeps coming back for more. Servicing and parts readily available.

[cripesamighty]

Dad quite likes the Freelander 2 but we haven't seen a suitable one in his price range. They are currently looking at a Subaru Forester which ticks all the boxes and if a few minor items to be fixed can be negotiated then they will probably grab it. Will find out in the next day or two.

[cafe latte]

Dad quite likes the Freelander 2 but we haven't seen a suitable one in his price range. They are currently looking at a Subaru Forester which ticks all the boxes and if a few minor items to be fixed can be negotiated then they will probably grab it. Will find out in the next day or two.

Like I said before reliability wise they wont be sorry. I did the same you have done with the inlaws you must be shattered :D
Good luck
Chris

[cripesamighty]

After seeing what was available I did suggest the FL2 to dad which was at the upper end of his price bracket, but we just couldn't find a suitable one. The Forester I found for them instead is in very good condition with an impeccable service history.

My only issue with it was the much higher than average mileage for a 2010 model - until I got the pre-purchase inspection. It came through it very well with only a few issues that can be sorted in a day or two. Will just have to wait and see if the dealer will come to the party to get these fixed before accepting it. They have been pretty up-front with everything so far, so am hoping for a good outcome.

Mum loved driving it so that's the main thing. Dad was fairly flexible with the car choices in that regard, ie. happy wife = happy life!

[cafe latte]

After seeing what was available I did suggest the FL2 to dad which was at the upper end of his price bracket, but we just couldn't find a suitable one. The Forester I found for them instead is in very good condition with an impeccable service history.

My only issue with it was the much higher than average mileage for a 2010 model - until I got the pre-purchase inspection. It came through it very well with only a few issues that can be sorted in a day or two. Will just have to wait and see if the dealer will come to the party to get these fixed before accepting it. They have been pretty up-front with everything so far, so am hoping for a good outcome.

Mum loved driving it so that's the main thing. Dad was fairly flexible with the car choices in that regard, ie. happy wife = happy life!

Happy wife, happy life, my missus is Italian.... so when she is happy everything is better :D
Chris

[superquag]

"...Happy wife, happy life, my missus is Italian.... so when she is happy everything is better"

We need to say (type) that with waving hands.... getta the Accent right !

:arms::arms::arms:


:angel:

[cafe latte]

"...Happy wife, happy life, my missus is Italian.... so when she is happy everything is better"

We need to say (type) that with waving hands.... getta the Accent right !

:arms::arms::arms:


:angel:

:D
Chris

[gusthedog]

Has anyone mentioned the Ford territory yet? My in laws are on to their second as of this week. Great for occasionally taking the grand kids or friends in the back and very easy to get into. They both have mobility issues and they won't have anything else. They tow a van too and travel north or west every winter. The territory does that with ease too.

Cheers,

Pricey

EDIT: Ah, I see on page 4 they won't consider something big. Or a Ford. Whoops.

[cripesamighty]

I showed Dad the Territory, Kuga and Captiva early on in the piece and he said they felt ok. Then I told him it was a Ford/Holden and he got straight out of them! He has had a couple of bad experiences with earlier Fords and Holdens that he's owned and has now sworn off them. I keep telling him that those were cars he owned decades ago but he wouldn't budge.

He had a bit of a change of tune with this current VX Commodore as that was bought in a hurry to replace a written off Camry and he grudgingly said that he liked that a lot. The only problem being it was too low to comfortably get in and out of. Oh well, we will see what happens with the Forester.

[AndyG]

If he likes the VX, is a modest lift an option ?
Maybe put it on stands 25 mm higher and see how it feels.
Save a lot of change over money

http://www.kingsprings.com/catalogue/kings_master_catalogue.pdf

[cripesamighty]

Mmmmmm...... Interesting idea!

[PhilipA]

IMHO the problem with modern cars is not so much the low seat height , but is the height of the door aperture.
I was always banging my head on the A pillar /roof of Falcons when getting in and out because the door aperture is not very high.

As I posted earlier , an A Class Mercedes or Honda Jazz are tall cars with quite high door openings whereas my recollection of for example getting in the back of an Xtrail was excruciating as there is no distance between the seat and B pillar and although they have high ground clearance , the doors are not that high..
Regards Philip A

[LandyAndy]

If he hasnt bought yet,get him to drive the diesel Territory,it has the same 2.7L motor as the D3.
Im sure a drive may help get him over that phobia of the Ford/Holdens of olde;););););)
Andrew

[B92 8NW]

If he likes the VX, is a modest lift an option ?
Maybe put it on stands 25 mm higher and see how it feels.
Save a lot of change over money

http://www.kingsprings.com/catalogue/kings_master_catalogue.pdf

Holden offer "Country Pack" suspension which is lifted over standard as a factory option

[andyrover]

You probably haven't thought of this one: Nissan Tiida! Bought one for my wife (because: cheap!) to haul her 95 y.o. mother around in - perfect! Loads of room, big doors and windows, no complaints.

[cripesamighty]

Hi all,

After checking out quite a few cars mentioned on this thread over the last couple of weeks, the folks put their money down on a 2010 Subaru Forester this afternoon. They thought this model suited their needs best (ease of entry/exit, suitable height, good view of corners of car so easier to park, etc), narrowly beating out some other suggested cars, and they are now very happy campers! Once again, thanks everyone for all the advice, as it made narrowing down the choice of vehicle much easier, and the folks are satisfied they have tried all available options.


Cripesamighty

[LandyAndy]

They shouldnt go too bad with that,Subys have a good rap.
Even Ron has one,but I bet his wife bought it to be a good car;);););););)
Andrew

[clubagreenie]

Here's another reason NOT to get an x-trail.

Cam/Crank angle sensors. FFS it's like check the fuel, change sensors. And you HAVE to change both.

Cam, sensor I can do in less than 60 seconds.

Crank sensor bolt removal, 15 seconds. Sensor removal 25 minutes. Reinstallation, 30 seconds.

[cripesamighty]

Yeah, I saw a bunch of problems with the X-Trail early on in the piece on a few forums. I was kinda glad to discount it from the list after my mum sat in one. She thought it 'felt' too big and she couldn't see the front edges of the car as well as on some other cars. The folks are very happy with the Subaru Forester they bought today as that was the best all-rounder for them.

[DiscoMick]

Hi all,

After checking out quite a few cars mentioned on this thread over the last couple of weeks, the folks put their money down on a 2010 Subaru Forester this afternoon. They thought this model suited their needs best (ease of entry/exit, suitable height, good view of corners of car so easier to park, etc), narrowly beating out some other suggested cars, and they are now very happy campers! Once again, thanks everyone for all the advice, as it made narrowing down the choice of vehicle much easier, and the folks are satisfied they have tried all available options.


Cripesamighty


They should be pretty happy with a Forester. Just check the rubber boots on the CVs haven't split or it could get expensive.

[PhilipA]

So now you have to watch out, as being Subaru drivers they will inexplicably drive erratically slowing down and speeding up continuously, turning without indicating and generally becoming Numptys.

They will also become deadly afraid of large 4wds so you will have to be careful visiting them in your LR as they may run from their home at the sight of it.
And of course they will become avid defenders of the right of drunk pedestrians to walk /lie down in road at any time and it will be the driver of the 4WDs fault if they are run over.
They may also become good friends with Harold Scruby as he owns one .

Regards Philip A

[cripesamighty]

Too funny.... :p