My wife has developed a chronic sciatica problem overnight and even through it is on the mend she has been told she will have impared mobility in her left leg for a long time so changing gear in her current car will be impossible.
She has a Mazda 6 manual at the moment, is struggling to get in and can't press the clutch.
We need an urgent change of car to get an automatic which she can drive.
Any suggestions of a reliable medium sized car which would be suitable.
I will take her car and she will get something else but because we haven't planned a swap we only have a budget upto 12K.
Don't care if it is new or second hand but must be reasonably roomy. Fuel & insurance costs aren't a problem.
I know this is an open topic but I need to move fairly fast as she is going demented with boredom as she literally can't walk more than 50 metres
I suspect a second hand car will be more sensible as you seem to have to make new automatics a special order.
Thanks
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Can't help on the automatic front, but a high car might be beneficial - Mrs Mare has been quite unwell for some time, and the height of a Citroen C3 persuaded her to persuade me to swop cars with her. You don't need a 4X4 or big MPV necessarily, just something a bit higher. Zafira, Scenic, Picasso maybe.
Don't forget to claim DLA and pursue blue badge etc.
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There are many cars now on the market that are that little bit higher than standard cars and Japanese saloons tend to be lower than their European counterparts.
So in no particular order,
Most Mini MPVs (Scenic, C-Max, Zafira, Picasso)
Golf Plus, Ford Focus, Mercedes A and B class
Suzuki Wagon R & Ignis and the new one (what's it called? SX4?)
Subaru Forester
Fiat Panda
Hyundai Tuscon, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, Freelander
Nissan Quashai
Of these, the Subaru will be the most reliable and is extremely comfortable- It's only downside is poor economy.
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SWMBO has residual motor nerve damage to her L side from MS. She loves her Focus 1.6 auto.
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I was going to suggest a Focus auto, but on the other hand, if she likes a car the size of the Mazda, then maybe just try swapping it for a Mazda 6 Auto or a Mondeo Auto which is also quite a nice motor and should be available for nearly immediate delivery through Ford Direct.
I would back up what others have said though, a swap to a car like a C-Max, or a Zafira would probably be a good idea.
Blue
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i'm disabled due to leg problems and i bought a nissan note automatic and the space is very roomy and the seat height is perfect. a 1.6se auto is about 12000 so in budget
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Geomot, just before you spend money on a car change might it be worth investigating alternative therapiies to cure your wif'e scitica? I am not medically trained but you might find an osteopath or chiropactor could manage a permanent cure that would be a lot cheaper than the £s involved in changing a car. I wish your wife a successful and pain free outcome whichever route you take!
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Put 1500-2000 pounds aside from your budget and go out and find the most suitable car with the ease of getting in that your wife needs, plus all controls in easy reach. As suggested, height may help. If the car you find (secondhand autos can be limited) is comfortable, then fine. If no great shakes, use the money set aside to look for, buy and fit an orthopaedic seat such as a Recaro (preferably heated) which can then be transferred whenever vehicles are changed.
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Must agree that even with a slight twinge in my back, heated seats make a big difference. I've had them in my last three cars and are someting I would not want not be without, especially with leather seats.
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A Honda Jazz auto would list at about £12K new and the dealers (at least those local to me) seem to have plenty of nearly-new ones if the lead-time is too long.
There's plenty of room for most everyday purposes in a Jazz, I'd say it's only drawback is that it's not comfortable for bigger people for long journeys (I'm thinking more than 90 mins). It would certainly tick the reliability box.
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Will she qualify for a Motability car ?
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Many thanks for all of the suggestions they have given me some good ideas.
She woke up one morning and was unable to walk - specialist has said there is long term damage in one leg so this will need spinal surgery to correct.
I haven't even though of DLA or blude badge so I will follow up on these - but I suspect by the time we have been through the paperwork and assessments the surgery will have been done and she will hopefully be back towards normal.
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Cutting the sciatic nerve-I've had severe sciatica but have not gone that far yet;I've had the pain-best of luck to her.
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It occurs to me that a small Lexus might suit, be good for morale and a respectable one be obtainable for that money perhaps... just a thought
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It occurs to me that a small Lexus would be good for morale and a decent one obtainable for the money. Just a thought.
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She woke up one morning and was unable to walk - specialist has said there is long term damage in one leg so this will need spinal surgery to correct.
Ah, my sister had something like that - couldn't put her right heel to the floor. Keyhole surgey in Frenchay and four weeks rest sorted it. Hope your wife gets better.
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