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Van-based car suggestions, please?


MrDuke

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I'm now going off on a slightly stupid tangent, but.... are there any Jap offerings that spring to mind? Like the plethora of miniature day-vans they did through the 90s and 00s, but it would ideally need to be a UKDM model with non-wallet-rapey spares. Although I'm guessing most of them were sub-30mpg so maybe not ideal? Mazda Bongos seem to come up occasionally - anyone had any experience of them?

 

Well, my Honda S-MX probably fits the bill. Compulsory auto, though spares aren't always cheap. There is one specialist in the UK. I get 34mpg on a gentle run, 25mpg if I thrash it. Bongos even worse than a K-Series for the dreaded HGF, and I think hideously expensive for what they are.

 

UK market wise, Toyota Yaris Verso? There was also a Corolla Verso. As a tangent, a Perodua Kenari might fit the bill, and they came with auto option.

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Wouldn't a Cr-v or a rav 4 be a better idea for the ease of getting in and out, better ride than the van based cars and loads of space in the back, plenty to choose from as well.

 

If you can go bigger then my RX300 is flipping superb for bad back sufferers, you step up in to it, comfy leather seats with power adjustment and a smooth auto, thirsty to run though

 

Get her something with heated seats as well as it really helps your back stay supple when driving

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Regards berlingo automatics. My dad had one as a taxi with the rotary dial on the dash and flappy paddles. His was a 62 plate 1.6hdi 110. Averaged around 44mpg local but the gearbox was a bit lethargic. Remapped at around 40k on clock and strangely helped the mpg and the box was not so dire after either. He got rid of it a few weeks back now for a new one as it was just over 200k on clock.

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Some top suggestions, thanks people :)

 

I'd completely overlooked small 4x4s like the Ignis, they could well be ideal. Might take a closer look at Moves/Wagns too, although I think they'd be much the same fit as the A-class. Diesel isn't a necessity anyway, as long as they're not too thirsty.

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Some top suggestions, thanks people :)

 

I'd completely overlooked small 4x4s like the Ignis, they could well be ideal. Might take a closer look at Moves/Wagns too, although I think they'd be much the same fit as the A-class. Diesel isn't a necessity anyway, as long as they're not too thirsty.

Mentioned the Ignis as mums uncle has had an auto example from new. He's just turned 95 :)

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I've got a zafira "A" and if you buy well they are an excellent car, so easy to drive, easy to park as the vision is GR7 M9.

 

Mine being the 2.2pez is most likely one of the thirstier versions but still returns a minimum of 30mpg, that's fill to fill as well, not just the computer (which is actually very accurate).

 

 

Don't seem to rust bad and tons upon tons to choose from, I still see loads on the road everyday.

 

Easy enough to work on to and share most of the oily bits with an Astra g so easy to get spares for.

 

I find it very relaxing to drive in an inexplicable way but I think it maybe due to the nice high driving position, torquey engine and general dash layout.

 

Not sure on budget but a grand should see you in a really decent well looked after one, probably a 1.8 would suffice with them.

 

Not 100% sure but if it is the same autobox as an Astra f they last forever and are a very simple affair to use, no shitty CVT rubbish, solid 3/4spd items.

 

Hers had covered well over 150K and never murmured.

 

Yes the b version is a bit better looking etc but if budget is low then often a better example of the old shape represents better value.

 

Be aware though, I bought mine from auction with little service history and it was breathing/leaking a bit of oil. This turned out to be an issue with cylinder 3 compression, it was a slow starter as well. Trouble was it ticked all the boxes, one owner, good miles, good bodywork, dealer plates, nice spec in elegance, but it had clearly been driven and driven until it started breaking and never serviced causing terminal engine failure.

 

Saying that, I bought a whole other Astra 2.2 for £100 which is the beauty of these things, parts are pence and everywhere, but, buy well in the beginning and it will not be a bad purchase at all.

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Yaris Verso auto - end of.

 

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/putting-comfort-first-for-disabled-drivers-6475003.html

 

The which article they reference is where I recall reading this years ago, and can't find it now but the seats are nice and high up, and flat too, so you can swivel on your bum getting out. The sills are also very low too so you don't need to raise your feet much to get out.

 

Also:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/comment/car-choice-in-search-of-a-small-car-with-the-highest-seats-1830386.html

 

A hatchback Yaris has a small boot, though you can fold the seats in the back down to make a small van basically. The Verso is huge in the back. Should get change from £750. 1.3 vvti is a very good engine with a cam chain. easily good for 200k.

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The early Ford Fusions are cheap now and easy to get in and out top spec Fusion 3's like mine have reasonably comfortable but slightly narrow seats for the larger gentleman. Avoid the semi auto durashift. Ride isn't great though. Not sure it's better than the a class!

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It's a shame the Skoda Roomster is as new as it is, bet that'd have been a good option too.

 

It's not new - it started in 2006.

 

I don't think it would tick the box though - the seats aren't high like a van. It's a Fabia with a stretched arse, not a van-derived car like a Berlingo.

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I'd completely overlooked small 4x4s like the Ignis, they could well be ideal.

 

Ignis-es are very easy to get into and the seats are very comfortable (could have been out of a 1980s Renault !) but the suspension is unfortunately really, really hard - I certainly wouldn't recommend them to someone with back problems.

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  • 4 months later...

My parents have a 1.8 C Max, it's nice to drive and they get mid 30's from it. Its a lot higher seat wise than the equivalent focus but is still mid sized footprint wise so not a massive thing to be driving around in. That does mean it has a decent but not huge boot with the seats in the normal position. I've been recovered with a snapped push bike chain in both that and a friends Zafira and the later swallowed the bike with no issues, the C Max needed a lot more jiggling. 

 

If they went to look at one I'd definitely take the wheelchair to double check it was simple to get it in / out.

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