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03/14/2009 11:28:43 PM · #1 |
Have her look at PT Cruisers. Prices are low, and plenty of room. Friend has one and is over 360 pounds. Seatbelt fits, he fits, room left over.
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03/14/2009 11:23:03 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by rox_rox:
And my husband and I just got a 1985 Mercedes 300D Turbo Diesel, which we expect to run for 250,000+ more miles. |
I drove a 1979 240D for years. When my son pranged it, it had 235k on it and was still going strong. Loved that car :-)
R.
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03/14/2009 10:39:19 PM · #3 |
Thanks for all of the helpful replies.
She was shopping for a vehicle over two years ago and everything has since changed.
Due to her deteriorating health and finances I don't anticipate her getting a car anytime soon, if ever.
And my husband and I just got a 1985 Mercedes 300D Turbo Diesel, which we expect to run for 250,000+ more miles. I hope that someone else can make use of the great car suggestions that everyone has shared.
Cheers,
Roxanne
Message edited by author 2009-03-14 22:40:01. |
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03/14/2009 10:25:47 PM · #4 |
While you mentioned she may not be buying anything at this point, I wanted to throw another idea out there.
In your initial post, you said you were considering the Ford 500. I'd suggest looking into it's counterpart, the Mercury Montego. They tend to be really inexpensive used because no one has heard of them. The flip side of that is that if you buy it new, it won't hold it's value. My boyfriend just bought one last week and his primary concern was interior space (he's 6 foot 7 inches). I believe it has more features and a slightly fancier interior than the 500. It's very comfortable, gets 24-49 mpg, and very roomy. We put 850 miles on it in a 24 hour period (had to break it in!) and we weren't at all sore or stiff at the end of the day. As any car will, it does have a blind spot. I do echo those who posted earlier about concern that she won't be able to safely navigate if she's not checking her blind spot. |
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03/14/2009 10:06:11 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by GKPhotos:
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 |
damn someone beat me to it... I love my toaster... It has an amazing amount of cab space, a ton of features and room, and for the $$$ you can't find a better new vehicle. Plus, its a toyota :)
I would recommend this car/wagon to anyone, although I must admit, I splurged an extra 700$ for some enkie rims because the factory hub cabs are hideous.
Lastly, My parents are going to buy one this year because my mom has a hard time getting in and out of vehicles and she has a bad shoulder. She finds my toaster easy to get in and out of and for her, that was the biggest selling point... Test drive one and you'll see what I mean... |
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03/14/2009 09:50:16 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Jdroullard:
has she ever considered any of the more drastic weight loss alternatives like gastric bypass or lapband? They can be lifechanging... |
We are talking about a very depressed person who has never recovered from my father's passing. She has had both hips replaced and has all of the dangerous health issues associated with morbid obesity. When her insurance was willing to cover this procedure she wouldn't consider it, due to deductibles, recovery time and the issues with the extra skin. Now that she has put on more weight she says she might have done it, but her insurance won't cover it.
And to answer the next question: Yes, I have pushed her to get some CBT. She wouldn't do this for years because she was afraid to hurt her Christian counselor's feelings (who wasn't able to help her) by stopping her, sessions and trying something else. I think she is almost ready to get into it now, since things have begun to decline more rapidly.
I hate to sound so full of excuses about this; but I have tried everything I can think of. I am dealing with a great deal of resistance from a great distance.
The truth is, at this point, I don't see her buying anything (especially a different car). |
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03/14/2009 09:19:13 PM · #7 |
| has she ever considered any of the more drastic weight loss alternatives like gastric bypass or lapband? They can be lifechanging... |
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03/14/2009 08:31:38 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by rob_smith:
Originally posted by rox_rox:
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.
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I commend the people on here for not jumping all over this, but I do wonder what her response was when you questioned it? Surely any sensible adult would cease to drive once they became a danger to others? Not being able to check blind spots and also reverse properly is sooooooooooooooo important in driving. Cameras help but they still might not spot a child in a supermarket car lot. Have you tried to advise? |
I am guilty of a bit of exaggeration there. She can turn her head, but with difficulty and pain, therefore she relies on her rear-view mirror when she should be turning. I have asked her to give up driving move to where I live, so that I can run her errands; but she refuses. I'm still a kid in her eyes and although she often asks for my advice she tends to do what she wants, no matter what.
She is not that old and still has an active social life. The city where she lives is very large and her church, doctor and friends are spread all over it. She will have to give up most of these things, as she has no one to help her up there. This whole situation is a difficult one, as I'm sure anyone with aging parents can relate to. Sadly, I live in a state with a huge aging population and I dodge an elderly person who shouldn't be on the road every time I get in my car. As long as their doctor says they can drive it's really hard to convince them that they should get off the road. |
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03/14/2009 08:06:11 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by rox_rox:
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.
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I commend the people on here for not jumping all over this, but I do wonder what her response was when you questioned it? Surely any sensible adult would cease to drive once they became a danger to others? Not being able to check blind spots and also reverse properly is sooooooooooooooo important in driving. Cameras help but they still might not spot a child in a supermarket car lot. Have you tried to advise? |
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03/14/2009 08:04:12 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by iamawizinscience:
I am 330 and disabled. My VW Passat is very comfortable. I have leather interior which make moving around easier. The steering wheel is adjustable. I would recommend it for those who are mobility challenged. |
Hey there,
Welcome to DPC. Although this thread is verging on ancient she still hasn't gotten a different car, so your input is appreciated. I agree with the Passat. We loved ours, although it is not as "cushy" as she is used to. Do you have any issues with how low it is? I used to take my elderly neighbor to the store in ours, and she had a problem with this.
Thanks:) |
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03/14/2009 07:34:09 PM · #11 |
| I am 330 and disabled. My VW Passat is very comfortable. I have leather interior which make moving around easier. The steering wheel is adjustable. I would recommend it for those who are mobility challenged. |
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12/28/2006 10:39:11 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by greatandsmall:
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. |
I want to say my neighbor's new van CAME WITH a backup sensor. One good thing about vans, is I feel safer because I am sitting up higher and can see more. However, it isn't as intimidating to drive as a truck. I haven't had problems with blind spots. If you think about it, the wheel base on a minivan isn't much larger than a large car. However, you can fit a CRAPLOAD of stuff...LOL
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12/28/2006 02:47:06 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by dacrazyrn:
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] |
Well, if you think that's bad, don't buy a Ford Focus. |
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12/28/2006 02:12:59 PM · #14 |
yeh i was going to say one of these. they seem to have large open windows also.
Originally posted by Egor:
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 |
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12/28/2006 02:09:58 PM · #15 |
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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12/28/2006 11:28:46 AM · #16 |
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
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12/28/2006 11:18:09 AM · #17 |
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.
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12/28/2006 11:14:54 AM · #18 |
| Thanks everyone! This thread has been immensely helpful:) |
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12/28/2006 11:05:06 AM · #19 |
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. |
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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. |
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12/27/2006 11:00:35 PM · #21 |
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 |
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12/27/2006 10:58:45 PM · #22 |
| 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. |
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12/27/2006 10:58:03 PM · #23 |
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. |
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12/27/2006 10:55:14 PM · #24 |
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. |
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12/27/2006 10:53:06 PM · #25 |
| How about a Toyota Camry? The are quite roomy, have good visibility and seem to be at a nice height. |
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