Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Can you recommend a vehicle which is easier to get in and out of than my BMW 530 Touring?
What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks

Can you recommend a vehicle which is easier to get in and out of than my BMW 530 Touring?

I have always had BMW saloons or estate cars but, due to increasing hip problems, I am finding it more and more difficult and painful to get in and out of my beloved 10-year-old 530 Touring. I don't like MPVs but I'd like a car with a smooth ride, reasonable economy, good carrying capacity and a fair degree of style. I have been thinking about a 4-5-year-old BMW X3 or Lexus RX 400h (although I don't really need a 4x4). I have a budget of circa £20-25K - what do you suggest?

Asked on 30 July 2010 by loughrigg lad

Answered by David Ross
An X3 or even an X5 sounds pretty much ideal for your needs, although the ride tends to be on the firm side (the X3 is generally smoother than the X5). The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class is worth considering too, as it's stylish and economical if you choose one of the CDI engines. If you want to buy newer, you might want to take a look at the latest Hyundai Santa Fe. It may not have the badge of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but it's a very impressive 4x4 that rides well and comes really well-equipped as standard.
Similar questions
We have had a Honda Jazz 1.4 SE since 2002 and, apart from two fairly minor problems (an EGR valve problem, which you identified, and a rear wheel bearing failure) have had trouble-free motoring since...
We own and run a 2013 Kia Sportage II 1.7, but because of changing lifestyles it rarely gets to stretch its legs. We love the high driving position and our travel is now a 24 mile daily round trip for...
My wife and I are looking to change our Subaru Forester for a smaller car. We are both in our 70's so our criteria are: Safety and economy; comfortable high seats and ease of getting in and out; automatic...
Related models
Strong BMW image. Reasonable roadholding for a 4x4. Plenty of safety kit and electronic driver aids.
Spacious and practical interior. Huge road presence. Good choice of engines including xDrive 30d. Available with seven seats. Very refined.
Relaxed motorway cruising. Comfortable ride. Excellent on very rough tracks. Available with seven seats. Good value. Much improved from 2010 with new 2.2-litre diesel.
Comfortable ride, tidy handling, excellent engines including 320 CDI, plenty of safety kit, upmarket interior.