What car - (left) foot operation looming
Discussion
I'm not normally one for starting these threads but I'm hoping to tap into the massed PH consciousness a bit here. Basically, I have an issue at the moment with my left ankle and am probably facing an op that will leave me "out of action" for a month with about a year before I've got 100% use back in it. I'm going to go completely bonkers if I can't get out and about under my own steam properly in that time and therefore I'm looking for an automatic daily that I can use in the meantime (luckily it's just the left foot that needs seeing to). Aside from being auto it's going to need to have a decent amount of space for me to get that foot in and out without contorting it to get past the steering wheel - a mixture of steering adjustment, seat adjustment and general space in the footwell area.
Initially my thought was a barge of some description but many are surprisingly lacking in footwell space. I'd thought about scratching my gen4 Legacy itch with a nice 3.0R but, having looked at one the other day, that 4wd system takes up so much space, it'll never work. Nor would a Passat, even though it's front wheel drive. Anything much bigger than this is an issue as I don't have much space to park at home. I looked (rather optimistically) at an E60 but again, the transmission tunnel is massive
On the contrary, I stumbled across an auto Pug 307 today which had masses of space in the footwell - much better than my current VW Bora and anything else on that platform - but even the 2.0 can't break 11s to 60 and I'm fairly certain I'd die of boredom (it's PH, you lot know what I mean 
). A Saab 9-5 is currently the front runner - I've had one before and wouldn't mind a nice late(ish) Aero. Then again, it's a bit large...
Is there something a bit more "interesting" than the 307 and not as big as the 9-5 that I should be considering? Has anyone had to deal with this sort of problem before - if so, what did you go for? Budget is up to £5k, I'm not looking to keep it for more than a year, but also I won't be in a position to crawl underneath it every weekend to fix it.
I'd like to steer clear of Picasso's and C-maxes if I can, but ultimately my mobility for the next few months is more important than any street cred I have left...
Initially my thought was a barge of some description but many are surprisingly lacking in footwell space. I'd thought about scratching my gen4 Legacy itch with a nice 3.0R but, having looked at one the other day, that 4wd system takes up so much space, it'll never work. Nor would a Passat, even though it's front wheel drive. Anything much bigger than this is an issue as I don't have much space to park at home. I looked (rather optimistically) at an E60 but again, the transmission tunnel is massive
On the contrary, I stumbled across an auto Pug 307 today which had masses of space in the footwell - much better than my current VW Bora and anything else on that platform - but even the 2.0 can't break 11s to 60 and I'm fairly certain I'd die of boredom (it's PH, you lot know what I mean ). A Saab 9-5 is currently the front runner - I've had one before and wouldn't mind a nice late(ish) Aero. Then again, it's a bit large...Is there something a bit more "interesting" than the 307 and not as big as the 9-5 that I should be considering? Has anyone had to deal with this sort of problem before - if so, what did you go for? Budget is up to £5k, I'm not looking to keep it for more than a year, but also I won't be in a position to crawl underneath it every weekend to fix it.
I'd like to steer clear of Picasso's and C-maxes if I can, but ultimately my mobility for the next few months is more important than any street cred I have left...
These are available as a 1750 auto, may even get free RFL.
Found you one, what would be my finders fee?
http://car-bank.co.uk/CarDetails.aspx?VID=104932#a...
Found you one, what would be my finders fee?
http://car-bank.co.uk/CarDetails.aspx?VID=104932#a...
Edited by HumbleJim on Saturday 22 March 17:10
HumbleJim said:
@JimAK, thanks - and good call, I'll see if I can check one out. Centre console does look quite thin from some pics I've just looked at.
More suggestions welcome!
Shame size is an issue as a Jag X350 would fit the bill. Plenty of foot space and a bonus of it having auto entry - when you turn the ignition off the steering wheel automatically moves up out of the way and the seat moves back to make it easier to get in/out. It also has electrically adjustable pedals which might help in your situation.
HumbleJim said:
These are available as a 1750 auto, may even get free RFL.
Found you one, what would be my finders fee?
http://car-bank.co.uk/CarDetails.aspx?VID=104932#a...
Suggesting a Maxi means you missed the OP bit about not fixing it every week !! Found you one, what would be my finders fee?
http://car-bank.co.uk/CarDetails.aspx?VID=104932#a...
Edited by HumbleJim on Saturday 22 March 17:10
But no matter, just keep the Bora, and buy this Maxi with the girl, and the girl will drive the Bora for you.
Matt UK said:
I the french MPVs with the dash mounted gearstick don't have a transmission tunnel, if that helps.
Doesn't the Honda CRV or HRV (can never remember the codes but it's the people carrier) have a similar layout. Can you get a Transit van in auto? I always think these have tons of foot space when I hire them but maybe it's relative to the small cars I normally drive.No MPV is sexy or fantastic to drive but personally I'd cope for a year if the alternative was no driving at all.
Range rover classic?
Interesting, plenty of foot space, should get back what you paid for it- by no means the quickest thing out there, but bloody great vehicles.......
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Interesting, plenty of foot space, should get back what you paid for it- by no means the quickest thing out there, but bloody great vehicles.......
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
E39 BMW does this,and this is ow the same size as a new 3 series
Range rove? Easy in/out and not **that** big compated to other automatics, such as scania, Volvo etc
Besides, your dead a long time, so why not enjoy yourself. that girl might even wear an alice band for you if you have a range rover
Range rove? Easy in/out and not **that** big compated to other automatics, such as scania, Volvo etc
Besides, your dead a long time, so why not enjoy yourself. that girl might even wear an alice band for you if you have a range rover
williamp said:
E39 BMW does this,and this is ow the same size as a new 3 series
Range rove? Easy in/out and not **that** big compated to other automatics, such as scania, Volvo etc
Besides, your dead a long time, so why not enjoy yourself. that girl might even wear an alice band for you if you have a range rover
I was going to suggest an E39. They're pretty much all automatic which will give you lots of choice, are an easy in/out and the drivers seat base tilts which may help comfort post op.Range rove? Easy in/out and not **that** big compated to other automatics, such as scania, Volvo etc
Besides, your dead a long time, so why not enjoy yourself. that girl might even wear an alice band for you if you have a range rover
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