Probably the best cars to try out are the van based vehicles eg Citroen Berlingo etc

Website for Research Institute for Disabled Consumers www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/cho...8

Edited by Big John on 08/11/2024 at 22:12

I would've thought that an estate car would be a good fit unless the OP feels they are too big a footprint for their specific needs, i.e. more difficult for parking / driving on narrow roads, etc.

Many thanks for all replies so far.

For the Stellantis group cars (Vauxhall / Citroen /Peugeot), the worry here is the Puretech Engine. The EAT6 and EAT8 gearboxes seem to be really reliable T/C boxes. Having said that, it seems an ingenious company have come up with chain conversion kit fairly recently so maybe Puretech belt issues will become a distant memory in a few years.

For the Subaru, it uses a "Lineartronic" CVT from what I can find and they aren't renowned for reliability according to user forums.

For the Kuga, its the wetbelt Eco Boost petrol as the 1.5 diesel isn't viable due to our low yearly mileage. And EcoBoost problems have been done to death on HJ. Also I think we'd struggle to get into the later T/C box, and Powershift brings its own problems.

The hoist idea on a RAV4 sounds sensible, but we have looked at a RAV4 (generation 4) and the boot is surprisingly small for the size of car. I think the boot has suffered as the rear legroom is quite generous. Also the steering wheel is quite low and both myself and my wife struggled to get in and legs under the steering wheel when it was at max height. We aren't huge people by any stretch and checking the Toyota forum, it seems we aren't alone. I did manage to fit enough to have a test drive and it drives really well and the Toyota CVT is excellent (if a little "lazy" compared to our T/C box). But the fitting and disappointing boot have made us pass it by. We also have by passed the Gen 5 as they have a huge theft problem at present due to a CAN bus intrusion issue. It's a shame as if the test drive was anything to go by, the Gen4 RAV4 would have proved a very nice car, with the usual Toyota reliability.

Estate cars are generally low seats but I'll have a trawl through RIDC and see if anything jumps out as a possible.

The Zafira Tourer, interesting and likely to be available in decent model choice being a "UK" maker. I'm guessing as they are under Stellantis hat, the gearbox will be an EAT6 / 8? Although I'm not sure if we are back at the Puretech wetbelt problem.

But a good few things for me to go away and mull over here so many thanks for all replies. And if anyone comes up with anything else, do please add a comment.

I don't think you need to be afraid of a Jap import, some models are prevalent in the UK (for good reasons!) like the Toyota Alphard, parts are plenty and there have not been too many changes to this model over the years.

They are all cam chain undtressed engines and built quality even on older examples are sometimes better than new cars.

Some come with factory-fitted disability access, which allows the user better access, plus you get plenty of space in the back for the wheelchair.

See this example: less than 60k and has the accessibility chair fitted.

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180881954