What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
I need a car with good disabled access to replace my Saab 9-5 - what do you recommend?
My Saab 9-5 is getting old and I want to replace it to meet some specific needs, including driving elderly and often disabled people to hospital and other appointments. I'm looking for a petrol car with slightly higher seating than in my Saab, with wide doors, easy to get in and out of, and with sufficient boot space to accommodate wheelchairs.
I have looked at the Ford Grand C-Max and the Mazda 5. The C-Max, although very likeable, does not have a petrol automatic option. As I prefer an automatic and like the comfortable ride of my Saab, am I looking for the impossible? My financial limit is around £16,000 and, in the past, I have often gone for a good secondhand car rather than a new one.
I have looked at the Ford Grand C-Max and the Mazda 5. The C-Max, although very likeable, does not have a petrol automatic option. As I prefer an automatic and like the comfortable ride of my Saab, am I looking for the impossible? My financial limit is around £16,000 and, in the past, I have often gone for a good secondhand car rather than a new one.
Asked on 20 October 2012 by IC, Redbourn
Answered by
Honest John
The Mazda 5 would be ideal if there was an automatic, but there isn't. That leaves you with the Toyota Verso 1.8i Valvematic Multidrive S or the new Ford B-Max that is available as a 1.6-litre petrol Powershift automatic. I think the C-Max will soon get this powertrain option, too.
Similar questions
We have a Ford Focus Estate that enables us to carry a wheelchair and mobility scooter. We hired a Vauxhall Zafira in Spain last year and were impressed with the ease of entry and boot capacity. Are there...
I wish to change my 2006 Mondeo Edge for an estate car or good alternative. As it will be my last vehicle I am looking for something with a high ride, for ease of access, and a saloon car driving position....
We have a friend who is suffering from Parkinson's and his whole body has gone very stiff. He cannot bend his head/neck. He needs a car with tall door opening, but not too low seat that requires bending...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Seven seats as standard, plus sliding side doors. Outstanding ride and handling. Good range of petrol and diesel engines.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Decent mix of performance and economy. Superb long-distance comfort aided by good ride and fantastic seats. An exceptionally safe car.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Compact seven seater. Excellent Valvematic 1.8 petrol engine with smooth seven-ratio CVT gives 40+ mpg. Good reliability record.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Seven seats. Sliding side doors. Compliant suspension is superb on poor road surfaces.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Sliding side doors and no central pillar mean unimpeded access. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Engines include 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol. Decent drive.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
