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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Car for obese person?
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12/27/2006 09:34:09 PM · #1
I'm helping a relative shop for a new car. She is obese (probably about 300lbs) with a very wide posterior, and a big stomach.

Here are the issues that will be shaping the decision:

1. Ease to get in and out of. She cannot tolerate anything that is very low or very high.

2. Interior size. She needs something with a lot of interior space and comfortable seats.

3. Exterior size. She needs something smaller than her Lincoln Town Car, as she is constantly banging into obstacles.

4. Visibility. She isn't able to turn her head, so she needs the smallest blind spot possible. Yes, I agree she shouldn't be driving at all; but that's not up for discussion.

5. Reliability. The car needs to be no more than a couple of years old and reliable.

6. Affordable. $30K or less.

The Ford 500 and the Toyota Scion XB have been recommended, so far.

I welcome any discussion and all suggestions.
12/27/2006 10:15:05 PM · #2
Does she need a car? How about something like a a Ford F150 or Chevy 1500 Silverado?
12/27/2006 10:17:55 PM · #3
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Does she need a car? How about something like a a Ford F150 or Chevy 1500 Silverado?


She needs something that she can slide into. She is handicapped by her size. She also needs a trunk for the stuff she carries around.
12/27/2006 10:18:40 PM · #4
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Does she need a car? How about something like a a Ford F150 or Chevy 1500 Silverado?


Gotta climb UP into those...

R.
12/27/2006 10:23:52 PM · #5
I am going to throw a minivan out there. We have an '03 Town & Country and it has plenty of room up front. I have a bad knee and I can get into it without having to climb or squat. I am 5'9 though.

It drives like a car :)
12/27/2006 10:32:12 PM · #6
I listen to the Car Talk radio show on National Public Radio frequently. A while back, someone posed the same question. I remember it well because I was surprised by their answer. They said the German cars catered to "circumferentially challenged" people, but their specific recommendation was a Volkswagen New Beetle. Who knew? The reliability might not be up to par with Honda or Toyota, but then, nothing else is either.

Edit: Sorry, I missed the replies since I had this up on my screen so long before posting it. The new Honda CRV is lower to the ground and had lots of space in the back.

Message edited by author 2006-12-27 22:34:32.
12/27/2006 10:32:55 PM · #7
Originally posted by JRalston:

I am going to throw a minivan out there. We have an '03 Town & Country and it has plenty of room up front. I have a bad knee and I can get into it without having to climb or squat. I am 5'9 though.

It drives like a car :)


I like this and we had though about minivans. I am concerned about the size and blind spots, though; I think a minivan might be bigger than what she is currently using as a bumper-car.
12/27/2006 10:35:06 PM · #8
Originally posted by greatandsmall:



I like this and we had though about minivans. I am concerned about the size and blind spots, though; I think a minivan might be bigger than what she is currently using as a bumper-car.


Rear-mounted camera systems are readily available fairly inexpensively that might help with that.
12/27/2006 10:37:38 PM · #9
Volvo...
12/27/2006 10:38:07 PM · #10
Originally posted by abroken1:

I listen to the Car Talk radio show on National Public Radio frequently. A while back, someone posed the same question. I remember it well because I was surprised by their answer. They said the German cars catered to "circumferentially challenged" people, but their specific recommendation was a Volkswagen New Beetle. Who knew? The reliability might not be up to par with Honda or Toyota, but then, nothing else is either.


I love VW. We have considered a Passat.
12/27/2006 10:38:36 PM · #11
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by greatandsmall:



I like this and we had though about minivans. I am concerned about the size and blind spots, though; I think a minivan might be bigger than what she is currently using as a bumper-car.


Rear-mounted camera systems are readily available fairly inexpensively that might help with that.


Hmmm. That's a good idea.
12/27/2006 10:42:38 PM · #12
Originally posted by zeuszen:

Volvo...

older Volvos...not the new Ford influenced stuff.
12/27/2006 10:43:22 PM · #13
Originally posted by Zoomdak:

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Volvo...

older Volvos...not the new Ford influenced stuff.


Ford/Mazda ones :(

Message edited by author 2006-12-27 22:47:53.
12/27/2006 10:45:41 PM · #14
Originally posted by Zoomdak:

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Volvo...

older Volvos...not the new Ford influenced stuff.


We love older Volvos and that's what we drive. Rented a new one and were not impressed.

Edit to add: Too low for her.

Message edited by author 2006-12-27 22:46:27.
12/27/2006 10:53:06 PM · #15
How about a Toyota Camry? The are quite roomy, have good visibility and seem to be at a nice height.
12/27/2006 10:55:14 PM · #16
Originally posted by RKT:

How about a Toyota Camry? The are quite roomy, have good visibility and seem to be at a nice height.


Car of the Year also.
12/27/2006 10:58:03 PM · #17
Originally posted by JRalston:

I am going to throw a minivan out there. We have an '03 Town & Country and it has plenty of room up front. I have a bad knee and I can get into it without having to climb or squat. I am 5'9 though.

It drives like a car :)


I can recommend this as well. My co-worker has this one and the windows are large and it's very 'open' so there isn't as many blind spots at you would think. She's also had knee surgery and can't have rigs where you have to sit low and this van has been a lifesaver for her. I"m not sure it's smaller than the car she currently has maybe around the same size.

ETA: these are also the vans that you can fold the back seats down into the floor...so are excellent for to carry her stuff around.



Message edited by author 2006-12-27 23:00:07.
12/27/2006 10:58:45 PM · #18
That's funny somebody would mention the Beetle. I have one and love it, no reliability problems and plenty of room. Everybody that sees it is amazed it's so roomy inside. Plus they look cool.
12/27/2006 11:00:35 PM · #19
Go with the Scion XB.
30 MPG
as roomy as a truck cab
room for 5 adults
Less than $17000 base price

I just got one in August & I'm a 300 pounder myself
12/27/2006 11:09:05 PM · #20
OK, I'm going to give it a shot - Daihatsu Sirion
Daihatsu Sirion catalogue
It seems to fit the bill on all the items on her list.
I've been on an older Sirion model and it's a great car with great visibility and cabin space.
12/28/2006 11:05:06 AM · #21
Originally posted by Zoomdak:

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Volvo...

older Volvos...not the new Ford influenced stuff.


Yes, I was thinking an old brick (740) in good shape. Mine has 330000 km on it, looks and drives like new.
12/28/2006 11:14:54 AM · #22
Thanks everyone! This thread has been immensely helpful:)
12/28/2006 11:18:09 AM · #23
2007 Volkswagen Passat
Starting MSRP $22,960 – $33,100

Has a large and comfortable interior. The steering wheel adjust up/down and in/out for more room. Not to low and not to high. IMO it has a larger driver area than the Avalon, Camry, and accord.
12/28/2006 11:28:46 AM · #24
If it's not too low, the Toyota Prius might be a good option. Despite its small appearance, it's actually classified as a mid-sized car and is suprisingly roomy. Its short front end reduces the exterior size substantially without sacrificing interior space. The price is $22-27k, depending on options, and with 1/3 to 1/2 the fuel consumption of the Town Car, it will further reduce her total cost of ownership.

The split rear window does take a little getting used to but provides outstanding rear visibility. In addition, I believe a rear backup camera is available as a factory option for the 2006-7 models, and is also available as an aftermarket option for from coastaletech.com. Add about $500-$600 to add this capability. In addition, the placement of the speedometer and other key information just below the windshield will make them easier for her to see.

~Terry
12/28/2006 02:09:58 PM · #25
Originally posted by greatandsmall:

I love VW. We have considered a Passat.

[beginrant] My experience ( and I am not alone) but the Passat is what the name says (Pieceashat). I own a 1999 and in the last 2 years over $5000 in it to repair crap. First was a timing belt INSIDE the engine that went out. they have to be changed every 60,000 miles for about $500-600, or they break and you replacce the top half of the engine for $1200. today, a new catalytic converter for an estimate of $1200 for parts and labor when Meineke does it for $300. I got off with them welding the damn hole, after they had taken the exhaust apart without a go ahead. Pissed about that, but what the hell! It's done.
Any part on the damn thing costs $500, pretty much no matter what. I don't want a light to go out! :)
Anybody want to buy a 1999 Pieceashat! Gladly unload it![/endrant]

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