Bench seat up-front, automatic, modern... Options?
Discussion
A bit of an oddity in PH terms, but a response to some musings from the OH. She currently has a CVT Jazz, and the gearbox is living up to its reputation, so we've decided to sell it (among other reasons).
She's always had a hankering for a Yank tank with a bench seat across the front, so that her, the dog and I can ride up-front together. Whatever your opinions, it's not inherently unsafe if the dog is attached securely (normally has a seatbelt lead), and she bloody loves that little dog! Who am I to argue?
However, living in London and being used to a small car, it would be ideal if we could find something hatchback/supermini sized (ruling out the Multipla - no kids yet anyway!).
The only thing I could think of in-budget (~£5-6k) was a Honda FRV. It might be dull as dishwater, but it seems to tick the boxes required. Then I walked past an imported Nissan Cube on my way home, and spotted the bench seat across the front and the autobox (it's technically only a 5-seater, but an additional seatbelt slot can be added).
This led me to wonder whether there were any other Japanese oddities that might fit the bench-seat bill, so I guess it's over to you lot.
She's always had a hankering for a Yank tank with a bench seat across the front, so that her, the dog and I can ride up-front together. Whatever your opinions, it's not inherently unsafe if the dog is attached securely (normally has a seatbelt lead), and she bloody loves that little dog! Who am I to argue?
However, living in London and being used to a small car, it would be ideal if we could find something hatchback/supermini sized (ruling out the Multipla - no kids yet anyway!).
The only thing I could think of in-budget (~£5-6k) was a Honda FRV. It might be dull as dishwater, but it seems to tick the boxes required. Then I walked past an imported Nissan Cube on my way home, and spotted the bench seat across the front and the autobox (it's technically only a 5-seater, but an additional seatbelt slot can be added).
This led me to wonder whether there were any other Japanese oddities that might fit the bench-seat bill, so I guess it's over to you lot.
Honda S-MX, there is a readers cars thread about them here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=156...
They look like good fun!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=156...
They look like good fun!
Wow - a real mix of ideas there. Thank you all.
I think some are missing the "small" requirement, particularly with suggestions of Transits and Defenders. She currently drives a supermini, and loves having a small car (we park on the street and live in a busy area), so she's unlikely to want to significantly increase its size.
I'm speechless about that Honda thing with the sliding door. I think she'd actually kill me if I suggested that to her!
I'll take a look through the Jap Oddball thread for some inspiration, but ideas are always welcome!
I think some are missing the "small" requirement, particularly with suggestions of Transits and Defenders. She currently drives a supermini, and loves having a small car (we park on the street and live in a busy area), so she's unlikely to want to significantly increase its size.
I'm speechless about that Honda thing with the sliding door. I think she'd actually kill me if I suggested that to her!
I'll take a look through the Jap Oddball thread for some inspiration, but ideas are always welcome!
Defenders, the 90 anyway, are surprisingly compact in terms of footprint and turning circle/agility.
Not fun to drive long distances mind you and horrific on fuel, however in cities people to tend to get out of the way too.
If you're in the big smoke, make sure any you look at are LEZ compliant otherwise short trips will get REALLY expensive.
Not fun to drive long distances mind you and horrific on fuel, however in cities people to tend to get out of the way too.
If you're in the big smoke, make sure any you look at are LEZ compliant otherwise short trips will get REALLY expensive.
Baryonyx said:
What's wrong with the CVT in her Jazz?
It has a tendency to judder on takeoff when cold, a common problem. We swapped the fluid out for Honda stuff, and the improvement has only been marginal.Alongside this, the car has been used like a van during a flat renovation, and isn't wearing its mileage particularly well. I think she's fallen out of love with it a little (it was once her P&J) as a consequence, so it's time for a change.
SrMoreno said:
Or a Defender, if that offends your masculinity,
You'd need to go older, with a Series, to get three seats across. Defenders mostly have a storage box between the two seats.I really wouldn't want a human passenger in the middle seat - you'd be getting very up-close-and-personal with the gear lever. And the handbrake. And the steering wheel. And the pedals. No seatbelt, either, although you could fit one.
I got mum a nissan cube fresh from japan its an 03 but like new for under 4k she loves it seems to go well and has a very good auto box and the engine likes to rev,
they seem to have a bit of a following people ask questions and it seems to make people smile when they see it,
as It looks more like a toaster than a car , I would say it makes a perfect town car, recommended .........
they seem to have a bit of a following people ask questions and it seems to make people smile when they see it,
as It looks more like a toaster than a car , I would say it makes a perfect town car, recommended .........
Edited by powerstroke on Thursday 28th April 17:56
powerstroke said:
I got mum a nissan cube fresh from japan its an 03 but like new for under 4k she loves it seems to go well and has a very good auto box and the engine likes to rev,
they seem to have a bit of a following people ask questions and it seems to make people smile when they see it,
as It looks more like a toaster than a car , I would say it makes a perfect town car, recommended .........
Thank you! I didn't expect an owner's/buyer's review, so that's a pleasant surprise.they seem to have a bit of a following people ask questions and it seems to make people smile when they see it,
as It looks more like a toaster than a car , I would say it makes a perfect town car, recommended .........
Edited by powerstroke on Thursday 28th April 17:56
While it's not a 'core' PH type of car, it's a bit different and has a bit of character. Certainly more so than a Jazz!
I presume it's a Micra underneath?
Edited by C70R on Thursday 28th April 18:20
C70R said:
I presume it's a Micra underneath?
Clio/previous-shape Micra.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_B_platform
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff