Help - looking for car for grandparents

[Piglet]

I am trying to help my grandparents find a new car. They need something easy to get in and out. Both are in their 80's and my grandfather had a stroke, so has limited mobility (he also is pretty big). My grandmother can not drive a big car, so something also easy to park and not big & bulky. Any suggestions??

TIA

Melinda

 

[golfgal]

My Inlaws got a Toyota Rav 4 and it would be perfect for your grandparents. It is the right height to slide in and out and not have to climb up or bend down. It isn't big and it sits up a bit higher off the road so visibility is good.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a 2008 Ford Edge and it is very easy to get in and out of. Before that I had a Taurus which was very difficult. It is actually two fet shorter than the Taurus was. It, as the Toyota RAV-4, is a five passenger crossover based on a car frame and not a truck frame. I think that the five passenger ones should be the ones looked at.

 

[piglet too]

Look at some of the cross-over vehicles out there like the PPs have suggested. I like the Chevy Equinox or Traverse.

 

[scrapquitler]

I think the biggest consideration, beyond legroom for Grandpa is ease of entering and exiting the vehicle. One thing to look for is a vehicle with a grab bar on the door or right above the door to give Grandma and Grandpa something to hold onto when getting in and out. Another idea that we used when my Grandma was having difficulty getting in the car (as a passenger because by then she wasn't driving) was using a swivel seat cushion, like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-mdl-swiv-Deluxe-Swivel-Seat/dp/B000BKAXRO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Finally I would suggest a vehicle that is a bit higher than a regular car but not so high they have to climb in (like some of the mammoth SUVs). Mabye something like a Subaru Outback which is kind of medium high, and by the way it makes nice tight corners so it is easy to drive.

 

[minniecarousel]

A small SUV is a good idea, but it got so my Mom couldn't get into my Toyota Highlander any more. We had to use my husband's Camry, but that low seat can also be a problem.

 

[Luvchefmic]

My Aunt is 79 and had alot of difficulty "climbing" into our small SUV..a Hyundai Santa Fe when she was at our house, she drives a Hyundai Sonata no problem and she is very petite..just under 5 foot

 

[tinatark]

Ford Fusion

 

[Christine]

I agree with the suggestions for vehicles like the RAV4. Even the Honda CRV would be good. They are small enough/low enough that you are about even with the seat when you get in. I have a Highlander and you do have step up a wee bit to get in. A RAV4 would be a little bit lower and perfect. Most cars you have get down into them. Getting out of them is usually the bigger problem.

 

[Silent1CB]

Look at some of the cross-over vehicles out there like the PPs have suggested. I like the Chevy Equinox or Traverse.

My short mom of about your grandparents age really likes her Forester because of its extra height off the ground. Also easy to put items in & out of rear storage because its not down low like a car trunk. These were some of the reasons they bought her a cross-over vehicle. Well that and the AWD.

 

[Donaldswife]

My DH's Grandmother is in her 80's and she has a hard time getting in and out of vehicles. We went and tried many, many vehicles and she finally decided she liked the Buick Lacrosse the best. It was roomy and comfortable, and she was able to get in and out. Depending on your grandmother's height she may not be albe to "climb" in and out of a crossover or small SUV. I know that was the case for us.

 

[Piglet]

Thanks everyone, I'm going to look up some of these and print some info for them.