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We need a new car with easy access and good reliability with low mileages - what do you suggest?
We are a couple in our early 70s and we have enjoyed a Mercedes C180 for some years, but it gives signs of rising repair costs and we give signs of decreasing hip and knee flexibility. I am also 6 feet 3 inches tall. Getting in and out comfortably is becoming an important factor in the choice of our replacement car. We plan to buy new and would like to be kind to the planet, but are confused in trying to decide between petrol and diesel. For our annual mileage of 10,000 I do not think diesel is best. We are fortunate that economy is not a critical factor. We are considering a low powered Audi Q3, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz B Class or Volkswagen Tiguan. Do you know of any problems with any of these?
Asked on 4 July 2012 by PG, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Except for the B Class, which I have seen but not driven, these are wrong thinking. They are all high off the ground but with comparatively low roofs so do not have the height inside that you need and are not particularly easy to get in and out of. The best of the lot in this respect is currently the Mazda 5 (preferably TS2 spec with the 1.6 diesel engine) although you could also think Ford C-Max or Grand C-Max, Toyota Verso, Renault Scenic or Vauxhall Meriva.
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mpvs
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