Choice of Car for a Tall Driver
Discussion
Hi, I'm new to the forum and thought I might get some sensible answers to my question - as I am now fedup of goin around the dealerships and being dissapointed with the salesmen trying to upsell me to a much bigger car than required. As the title suggests I am tall (6'5) and am looking for a single car to replace my daily driver (citroen C1 - where my head is close to the roof and I would not be able to wear a helmet) and my track car (scooby impreza wrx classic). The requirement is for something small, needs to be economical when driven sensibly (minimum 50 miles travelled per day), and fast and furious when required for the odd track day or trip to the nurburgring! Suggestions welcomed... (3k - 8k) Cheers
Unfortunately, saying you're 6'5 doesn't tell us very much because what you'll fit in depends on where the height is. For example I know people who are over 6'5 who fit in an Elise wearing a helmet fine, and others who are only six foot who don't.
You'd probably fit in almost any car if you were willing to change the driver's seat.
You'd probably fit in almost any car if you were willing to change the driver's seat.
Edited by kambites on Saturday 11th February 13:40
The problem with height is that even people who share the same height tend to have differing needs/experiences with differing cars.
I'm 6'5" and my main problem is leg/knee room. I can't even get into a Z3 or an MX5, closing the door would chop my right leg off (or at least leave me pinned and unable to use the pedals!). I can get into an S2K but it's not what you'd call roomy.
What helps me most is decent steering wheel adjustment (reach and rake - not just one or the other) allied to a decently adjustable seat, but whilst cars are being fitted with a metric tonne of useless s
t like cupholders and electric seat heating, I've seen no useful improvement in comfort/range of people sizes being supported - seems like a huge wasted opportunity really.
Moral of the story: less gizmos and tat, more making cars fit real people plz.
p.s. obligatory answer has always been Saabs and MBs - but truthfully speaking, they really only offer a bit more rearward travel on the seat and that's not the whole issue.
p.p.s. most headroom of any car ever (that's no open top?)? - VW New Beetle, I could wear a TOP hat
I'm 6'5" and my main problem is leg/knee room. I can't even get into a Z3 or an MX5, closing the door would chop my right leg off (or at least leave me pinned and unable to use the pedals!). I can get into an S2K but it's not what you'd call roomy.
What helps me most is decent steering wheel adjustment (reach and rake - not just one or the other) allied to a decently adjustable seat, but whilst cars are being fitted with a metric tonne of useless s
t like cupholders and electric seat heating, I've seen no useful improvement in comfort/range of people sizes being supported - seems like a huge wasted opportunity really.Moral of the story: less gizmos and tat, more making cars fit real people plz.
p.s. obligatory answer has always been Saabs and MBs - but truthfully speaking, they really only offer a bit more rearward travel on the seat and that's not the whole issue.
p.p.s. most headroom of any car ever (that's no open top?)? - VW New Beetle, I could wear a TOP hat
I'm 6ft 6 and 15st, and although I could squeeze into an MX5 Mk2, it was very VERY tight and my right leg was pinned against the steering wheel and door pull... Interesting driving position!
Drove a Z4 yesterday, that seemed a v.nice fit. Could get one of those for about 8K. Similarly a 3 Series was a nice fit, even if headroom wise there wasn't too much of a gap! Most VAG stuff I fit in quite well, so for the OP, maybe Leon FR (old shape) / Octavia VRS (Mk2) - chipped maybe for a bit of extra poke? Fabia VRS (Diesel version) seemed spacious too and would be in budget, although dynamically it probably isn't as good as the Leon or 'Tavia...
I drive a KA at the moment (old shape) which has bags of headroom, not exactly pokey though!
Drove a Z4 yesterday, that seemed a v.nice fit. Could get one of those for about 8K. Similarly a 3 Series was a nice fit, even if headroom wise there wasn't too much of a gap! Most VAG stuff I fit in quite well, so for the OP, maybe Leon FR (old shape) / Octavia VRS (Mk2) - chipped maybe for a bit of extra poke?
Fabia VRS (Diesel version) seemed spacious too and would be in budget, although dynamically it probably isn't as good as the Leon or 'Tavia...I drive a KA at the moment (old shape) which has bags of headroom, not exactly pokey though!
Thanks for the quick replies - I have tried a TT - fine without helmet!, Tried a new skoda fabia - due to the design would stoop forward to see whilst driving - is there more headroom in the older shape? Octavia seems to have less room than the fabia!??! Havnt really considered MB or BM at this point, maybe something to sit in next... Had two Saab's in the past - great cars but fancy something smaller. Looks like a VW Golf mk4 might fit the bill or a beetle, although an older fabia vrs might be fun (if I fit comfortably!)
Well I'm 6' 5'' (and powerfully built of course) - and it's mainly legs and clown feet (size 13). Couldn't drive an Impreza as every time I hit the throttle I was hitting the brake pedal too. Squeezed into a Gallardo once but would have had no chance if it had been a manual. A TVR Tuscan was almost perfect (as was a TR7 bizarrely). Currently driving a Leon Cupra R - decent mpg (daily commute is 60 miles) and can be fun to drive, though I've never driven it on a track.
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