Accident, wife’s going to need new vehicle. (insurance, sedans, SUV)
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Wife has spinal problems and arthritis in both knees. Her 2007 Chrysler Sebring (I hate the car) driver’s seat fit her 4’10” body and deeply curved spine. While driving two elderly ladies to their doctor appointments my wife was rear ended by a distracted teenager. Though wife’s car is still drivable and passed inspection, the damage cost is over the vehicle’s value and so was declared totaled. Our insurance said they would no longer insure the vehicle if we decide to keep and repair it at our own cost.
Wife has her heart set on a new vehicle. Once the other driver’s insurance cuts the check, we’ll have a little more than $2,000 to put down on a car and she feels we can afford no more than $315 monthly payment. She would like a small crossover/SUV for ease of getting in and out and she needs a smooth comfortable ride for her spine. Base model midsize sedans could be an option depending on seating position and ease of egress. We will check Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and maybe Honda (she hates the owner of the local Honda dealership). Should we also consider Mazda and Nissan? Would the Subaru Impreza based crossover be worth checking out? We priced the Toyota RAV4 and both local dealers have a pretty high mark-up and the lower Toyota crossover has horrible blind spots. We’re not going to GM (she doesn’t like how the crossovers look), Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep (for the same reason as GM). Mitsubishi is also out because of her hatred for the owner of the local dealership.
She needs a driver’s seat with adjustable height. A telescoping steering wheel is a plus for her height issues. It would be nice if she could merely select the vehicle she wants. Her height with long legs and short torso means even the best vehicle for her may not work for her condition. As bad as the Sebring is, the seat fit her and she could see over the dashboard and out the side windows.
Last question,...do some new car dealerships offer assistance for short people when buying a new vehicle like pedal extensions and seat riser? Aftermarket cushions might last a year before flattening and for some vehicles using a seat cushion means she can’t reach the pedals without her chest being up against the steering wheel.
I would look for a vehicle that has telescoping steering and adjustable pedals. Anything else imo would require modifications to the vehicle.
I’m sure a dealer can send the car to a outfitter that deals in handicap type modifications but it’s gonna cost. My wife’s Infiniti has a bunch of seat adjustment options and adjustable pedals. I think the steering wheel adjusts up down forward and back.
Go to YouTube and search for subcompact SUV comparison. You'll get all the names in the class and reviews. Although, I would caution against not considering a car because of a local dealer. You can buy from a different dealer in the next town over or even online.
Check out the walk around videos. It will show seat and steering wheel adjustments.
Go to YouTube and search for subcompact SUV comparison. You'll get all the names in the class and reviews. Although, I would caution against not considering a car because of a local dealer. You can buy from a different dealer in the next town over or even online.
Check out the walk around videos. It will show seat and steering wheel adjustments.
I know this (dealerships in other areas) but she’s irrational. She makes emotional connections to products based upon other issues. Her network of hens contributes to this with rumors about certain people well known locally. Logically she knows Honda and Toyota are good cars but she still has a bad feeling about them because of the owners of the two local dealerships. She hates the owner of Honda less than the owner of Toyota. The Toyota owner once went to another dealership to fight one of his former salesmen (salesman kept his regular customer list and they followed him to the new dealership). The owner actually attacked the salesman inside the dealership and was arrested. That is a fact base on local news coverage and police reports. Won’t repeat her rumors about him since there are no proof. The Honda dealership owner is local upperclass money complete with balls and rich charity events and absolutely must get her name and photos in the local news (tv & print).
You and your wife are really in a good situation searching for a new car. You really don't even have to drive it to pass the most important test, driver's fit.
Go from dealership to dealership getting in and out of cars adjusting the seat, pedals, and steering wheel to suit your wife's level of comfort. It it passes those tests, THEN and only then do you need to take a test drive.
No ugly scenes while the salesperson tries to coerce you out of driver's license, name, address and first born. You simply say we really aren't interested in buying today, we just want to try them on for fit, a dry run so to speak. We'll come back later if we want a test drive. Thanks....... ****but bug off...*****
Why not look at used vehicles. That way she can look at the car she likes and not have to go to the dealer she hates. Like notnamed said, if you have a CarMax near you, go there.
Someone in my family just bought a new base model CRV with no money down for $297/month and a interest rate of 2.9%. This was in SC though where Honda has some sort of special financing offer that keeps the payment in line with a lease. It’s a pretty nice vehicle. They also didn’t like the local dealership so that’s why they drove 50 miles from NC to SC. The HRV is cheaper and seems ok too. My preference would be Honda/Toyota/Subaru.
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