Hi


I know this may sound a little odd but i just wondered if anyone has had to change the car they drive to help with their joints and mobility. I sold my car a few months ago now and have been getting the bus to work but its an hour journey, i did this because i was finding it very uncomfortable to drive, I'm fine when Im driving its just parking, reversing etc especially if my arms are bad. But Im dreading getting the bus in the Winter

So now Im thinking about getting a car that would be lighter and maybe an automatic as well, i had look on WHICH they did recommend a couple of small cars but i thought i should ask the people that understand and know what it is like everyday!

Lou xx

Hi Louise

I don't know what part of the country you are from, but there are some very good motability centres dotted around who will assess you - they charge around £50. I drive an automatic because I can't manage the gear change, but they do use a lot more fuel. I can no longer get out of my Mazda 3 when Steve drives and I am at the kerbside - too low, so we are changing to a Nissan Qashquai which is much, much higher and very comfy. Alas, we couldn't afford the motability downpayment of £9 thousand odd pounds for the automatic model, so I guess I won't be driving much in future.

Good luck with it all - look at loads and loads of models and find what is right for you before making a choice.

Love Jeanxxxx

hi louise, i have changed to a suzuki swift auto and love it i tried loads to fit me as i am 5ft 1in so had trouble to start with, i have the seat and stearing wheel full height now and also i bought a two seat cushion which goes everywhere with me and i manage very well, i took ages to find what suited me and parking is good the car has a good tight turn on it,find a dealer and test drive as many as poss they are very understanding after all if they get a sale its worth putting up with us.

Hello

I am not entitled to higher mobility rate, but I had had a Co. Car for past 20 yrs, and because last year I was
off sick for more than 7 months I lost my car.

Last Sept I did a lot of looking around and testing. I settled for Citroen DS3 (Car of the Year last yr),
automatic. I would NEVER go back to a manual transmission. The automatic is great if you suffer probems
with arms hands shoulders and of course your feet. Brilliant definately recommend an automatic

Rose

my brother in law has a quashquai and i need a ladder to get in and out but must say very comfy and got all the bits ooooooooow,my next car i think will be suzuki sx4 the big brother to mine,but hope not for a while.its so hard to decide there so many,do agree about fuel,auto is bit greedy but my comfort comes first,i dont do alot miles so economy not too bad,i do budget for a long journey.i dont get high rate so had to sort myself out,good luck and happy shopping

Hi Louise,

I agree with Jenni, it might be an idea to get an assessment at a mobility centre. I got the info from occupational therapy. I drive an easitronic corsa as i couldn't manage the gear stick once i had had my wrists fused. I also have a push button start as i can't turn the ignition key. I also have a handbrake adjuster, using the handbrake was a nightmare for years, even with the adjuster i can't park on a hill! I also have a panoramic rear view mirror as i can't turn my neck very far round. All these things were recommended to me at the assessment, which cost me about £50 eight years ago. I do have to tell you I had to pay for all these adjustments myself, as i don't get any mobility allowance as my hands are affected worse than my legs, and can walk too far to get mobilty allowance!

Bevxx

Hi Louise

I too changed to an automatic as changing gear was a real problem at times. I also had problems with my knees on long journeys so we have gone for a Golf Plus as it has a higher seating position. I also went for cruise control as it enabled me on long journeys to be able to move my right leg about to stop it getting too stiff.

Happy Motoring

Sue