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 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.

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[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