Car For Disabled Mother With Son as Main Driver
Discussion
Will try and keep things simple but fear its already past that point...
Mother is early 60's and in poor health whilst son is mid 30's, he lives with her and will be the only driver.
They have a budget of around 5.5k, the problem is he only seems to be interested in high(er) performance models with her needs seemingly being something of an afterthought.
At the moment he is intent on the Fiesta ST-2 which looks to be well over budget and I suspect a nightmare for her to get in and out. Would guess the insurance and other running costs are going to be pretty high.
The mother was a bit of a petrol head in her younger days but isn't really all that fussed now, her only requirements is it looks a bit sporty / interesting and that she can get in and out without issue, the option to fit a an electric scooter in the boot would be nice too.
I've already suggested the older shape Fiesta ST but he's not interested and only wants the newer ST-2.
So can anyone suggest anything that's more or less in budget, sporty looking or a bit different with reasonable performance and practical at the same time?
I've got the feeling that its going to be a case of pick any two but thought I'd post the question anyway.
Mother is early 60's and in poor health whilst son is mid 30's, he lives with her and will be the only driver.
They have a budget of around 5.5k, the problem is he only seems to be interested in high(er) performance models with her needs seemingly being something of an afterthought.
At the moment he is intent on the Fiesta ST-2 which looks to be well over budget and I suspect a nightmare for her to get in and out. Would guess the insurance and other running costs are going to be pretty high.
The mother was a bit of a petrol head in her younger days but isn't really all that fussed now, her only requirements is it looks a bit sporty / interesting and that she can get in and out without issue, the option to fit a an electric scooter in the boot would be nice too.
I've already suggested the older shape Fiesta ST but he's not interested and only wants the newer ST-2.
So can anyone suggest anything that's more or less in budget, sporty looking or a bit different with reasonable performance and practical at the same time?
I've got the feeling that its going to be a case of pick any two but thought I'd post the question anyway.
When my mum started having mobility problems my dad changed from an Astra to a Zafira. His current car is a Tiguan.
The height made a lot of difference for my mum (the ability to slide in rather than dropping down and then having to lift herself out).
I have to say the Fiesta is probably going to be a lot of compromises.
The height made a lot of difference for my mum (the ability to slide in rather than dropping down and then having to lift herself out).
I have to say the Fiesta is probably going to be a lot of compromises.
Countdown said:
When my mum started having mobility problems my dad changed from an Astra to a Zafira. His current car is a Tiguan.
The height made a lot of difference for my mum (the ability to slide in rather than dropping down and then having to lift herself out).
I have to say the Fiesta is probably going to be a lot of compromises.
That's what I was thinking, she found it a struggle to get out of our Leon with "comfort" suspension so have no idea how a lowered Fiesta is going to work - add in the harsher ride and even if the budget allowed an ST-2 has expensive mistake written all over it......The height made a lot of difference for my mum (the ability to slide in rather than dropping down and then having to lift herself out).
I have to say the Fiesta is probably going to be a lot of compromises.
Can see the son flatly refusing anything like a Zafira or SUV as he wont seem them as fast or sporty enough despite them suiting her needs much better.
I also suspect the mother would prefer something a bit "nicer" than a Zafira and would possibly compromise a little practically but ultimately it has to work for her and as said I don't think the son is really taking this into account with his current picks.
Something like a higher powered Volvo C30 might work for him but no idea on boot space or ease of access for his mother.
Edited by Gluggy on Thursday 13th January 11:04
Mrs geeks has a small "shopping" scooter (this one to be precise https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-ms01051/careco-air... ) as she has mobility issues. It does break down into a few bits and you could just about squeeze all the bits into a Fiesta sized boot but it would be a complete PITA each time to take apart and reassemble each time. With a Ford Focus sized boot its much easier, just take the seat off and in it goes, it does then pretty much take up the whole boot (as it would taken apart in a Fiesta sized boot) so shopping goes on the back seat, so a 3 door is out for this very reason.
So I would recommend something at least Focus sized and with 5 doors rather than 3.
I would also suggest if the son isn't paying for the car then he can shut the f
k up and take what he is given, £5k takes your mum lots of places for lots of times in taxis after all 
It wasn't clear from your OP who is paying, so if I am being overly harsh out of turn feel free to ignore me in that regard.
So I would recommend something at least Focus sized and with 5 doors rather than 3.
I would also suggest if the son isn't paying for the car then he can shut the f
k up and take what he is given, £5k takes your mum lots of places for lots of times in taxis after all It wasn't clear from your OP who is paying, so if I am being overly harsh out of turn feel free to ignore me in that regard.
Cheers for the comments - think a Focus ST / RS has been discussed and assuming she can get in and out ok would tick a lot of boxes but again the son only seems to be interested in the newer stuff which is out of budget and with prices being as they are, for every £100 "they" save the cars go up by £200.
And on that note, Geeks you are not out of turn at all - would say about 90% of the money is coming from her, she also pays towards the insurance and other running costs so get exactly what your saying...
At this rate they are both going to have to sit down and work out exactly what they want / need and come up with a compromise as it does all look a bit one sided at the moment - starting to think I'm just going to let them get on with it instead of trying to come up with some ideas - as they say "no good deed goes unpunished".
And on that note, Geeks you are not out of turn at all - would say about 90% of the money is coming from her, she also pays towards the insurance and other running costs so get exactly what your saying...
At this rate they are both going to have to sit down and work out exactly what they want / need and come up with a compromise as it does all look a bit one sided at the moment - starting to think I'm just going to let them get on with it instead of trying to come up with some ideas - as they say "no good deed goes unpunished".
Edited by Gluggy on Thursday 13th January 12:01
My mother in law is disabled.
She lives in a wheelchair and can barely stand. She will likely end up with a leg amputated. She can't get a taxi as she can't get out the door or walk far enough.
My fiancée drives a 208GTI picks her up and puts her wheelchair in the back without any issue. This is the only car she really gets into apart from mine and is used for hospital runs and everything.
I done the same with the old shape Fiesta ST and now with my Golf GTI.
As long as he can afford it then I don't see why he wouldn't.
She lives in a wheelchair and can barely stand. She will likely end up with a leg amputated. She can't get a taxi as she can't get out the door or walk far enough.
My fiancée drives a 208GTI picks her up and puts her wheelchair in the back without any issue. This is the only car she really gets into apart from mine and is used for hospital runs and everything.
I done the same with the old shape Fiesta ST and now with my Golf GTI.
As long as he can afford it then I don't see why he wouldn't.
Edited by CG2020UK on Thursday 13th January 16:39
CG2020UK said:
Sorry OP what is your relationship to these two?
The world is so insatiable for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities that a car is the least of their worries when they can't even leave the house.
Huh?The world is so insatiable for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities that a car is the least of their worries when they can't even leave the house.
ETA - To the point about wheelchairs, they dont compare to a mobility scooter in terms of loading and space they take up in the car (I speak as someone who has to transport both)
jeremyc said:
Gluggy said:
Can see the son flatly refusing anything like a Zafira or SUV as he wont seem them as fast or sporty enough despite them suiting her needs much better.
What about the sporty Zafira VXR?I was cured of this at a young age when my mate (18 at the time) got a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 CDX. Compared to the Peugeot 106 / Citroen Saxo sorts of cars the rest of us had this thing was a beast and the girls loved it. The insurance was affordable because it wasn't a young lads car and a Vectra 1.8 is considerably quicker than a Saxo 1.4 8v (in a straight line at least). Then of course the quieter better assembled cabin with better materials and electric everything with climate control... makes a boy racer really think whether or not being in a sporty looking teenagers car is worth the hassle.
Gluggy said:
Will try and keep things simple but fear its already past that point...
Mother is early 60's and in poor health whilst son is mid 30's, he lives with her and will be the only driver.
They have a budget of around 5.5k, the problem is he only seems to be interested in high(er) performance models with her needs seemingly being something of an afterthought.
At the moment he is intent on the Fiesta ST-2 which looks to be well over budget and I suspect a nightmare for her to get in and out. Would guess the insurance and other running costs are going to be pretty high.
The mother was a bit of a petrol head in her younger days but isn't really all that fussed now, her only requirements is it looks a bit sporty / interesting and that she can get in and out without issue, the option to fit a an electric scooter in the boot would be nice too.
I've already suggested the older shape Fiesta ST but he's not interested and only wants the newer ST-2.
So can anyone suggest anything that's more or less in budget, sporty looking or a bit different with reasonable performance and practical at the same time?
I've got the feeling that its going to be a case of pick any two but thought I'd post the question anyway.
I think I have the answer that will suit both of their needs.Mother is early 60's and in poor health whilst son is mid 30's, he lives with her and will be the only driver.
They have a budget of around 5.5k, the problem is he only seems to be interested in high(er) performance models with her needs seemingly being something of an afterthought.
At the moment he is intent on the Fiesta ST-2 which looks to be well over budget and I suspect a nightmare for her to get in and out. Would guess the insurance and other running costs are going to be pretty high.
The mother was a bit of a petrol head in her younger days but isn't really all that fussed now, her only requirements is it looks a bit sporty / interesting and that she can get in and out without issue, the option to fit a an electric scooter in the boot would be nice too.
I've already suggested the older shape Fiesta ST but he's not interested and only wants the newer ST-2.
So can anyone suggest anything that's more or less in budget, sporty looking or a bit different with reasonable performance and practical at the same time?
I've got the feeling that its going to be a case of pick any two but thought I'd post the question anyway.
Astra GTC SRI 180 being slightly bigger as well as sitting slightly higher so your friend should have better access, they both get a sporty looking car & he gets a quick car that he wants:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111280...
CG2020UK said:
Sorry OP what is your relationship to these two?
The world is so insatiable for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities that a car is the least of their worries when they can't even leave the house.
They are mother / brother to me but complicated in the sense that until fairly recently I'd not been involved with them for best part of 20 years - puts me in the awkward position that whilst I can offer some car suggestions its doesn't feel like my place to get to involved on a personal level, of course I don't want to see her "taken advantage" but its not for me to question whatever type of relationship or arrangements they formed in my absence. The world is so insatiable for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities that a car is the least of their worries when they can't even leave the house.
ingenieur said:
jeremyc said:
Gluggy said:
Can see the son flatly refusing anything like a Zafira or SUV as he wont seem them as fast or sporty enough despite them suiting her needs much better.
What about the sporty Zafira VXR?I was cured of this at a young age when my mate (18 at the time) got a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 CDX. Compared to the Peugeot 106 / Citroen Saxo sorts of cars the rest of us had this thing was a beast and the girls loved it. The insurance was affordable because it wasn't a young lads car and a Vectra 1.8 is considerably quicker than a Saxo 1.4 8v (in a straight line at least). Then of course the quieter better assembled cabin with better materials and electric everything with climate control... makes a boy racer really think whether or not being in a sporty looking teenagers car is worth the hassle.
OP I was only asking as often this can be quite a touchy issue. Unless a direct relative I was going to advise stay out of it.
I just wanted to highlight that a fiesta ST will work with seats down though obviously not ideal so it won’t be the end of the world.
When I go to the hospital with her mum you see some crazy combos being made to work.
I just wanted to highlight that a fiesta ST will work with seats down though obviously not ideal so it won’t be the end of the world.
When I go to the hospital with her mum you see some crazy combos being made to work.
ZX10R NIN said:
I think I have the answer that will suit both of their needs.
Astra GTC SRI 180 being slightly bigger as well as sitting slightly higher so your friend should have better access, they both get a sporty looking car & he gets a quick car that he wants:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111280...
Cheers, that could be a good shout - will pass them on as something to consider.Astra GTC SRI 180 being slightly bigger as well as sitting slightly higher so your friend should have better access, they both get a sporty looking car & he gets a quick car that he wants:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111280...
CG2020UK said:
OP I was only asking as often this can be quite a touchy issue. Unless a direct relative I was going to advise stay out of it.
I just wanted to highlight that a fiesta ST will work with seats down though obviously not ideal so it won’t be the end of the world.
When I go to the hospital with her mum you see some crazy combos being made to work.
I bet, the ironic thing is my Mrs uses a wheelchair most of the time when outside the house. Our Leon estate may not be all that flash to look at but she can get in and out ok and the boot is big enough for her wheelchair and a few bags of shopping, it also has 190hp so whilst not a rocket ship there is more than enough power.I just wanted to highlight that a fiesta ST will work with seats down though obviously not ideal so it won’t be the end of the world.
When I go to the hospital with her mum you see some crazy combos being made to work.
For fear of being called a hypocrite we have always had estate cars due to the practically, we were just lucky to get this car / engine combo but in past have had stuff with 120hp and been happy enough as her needs as a passenger come before my wants as a driver.
Given that mother had a hard time with access in the Leon my biggest concern is her footing most of the bill and running costs for a car that suits my brothers desire to be a 38 year old boy racer over his responsibilities to her.
Gluggy said:
I bet, the ironic thing is my Mrs uses a wheelchair most of the time when outside the house. Our Leon estate may not be all that flash to look at but she can get in and out ok and the boot is big enough for her wheelchair and a few bags of shopping, it also has 190hp so whilst not a rocket ship there is more than enough power.
For fear of being called a hypocrite we have always had estate cars due to the practically, we were just lucky to get this car / engine combo but in past have had stuff with 120hp and been happy enough as her needs as a passenger come before my wants as a driver.
Given that mother had a hard time with access in the Leon my biggest concern is her footing most of the bill and running costs for a car that suits my brothers desire to be a 38 year old boy racer over his responsibilities to her.
My initial thoughts where actually a Golf GTD/Skoda VRS estate (Similar to your Leon) or even a BMW 3 series estate. Reason being my mother in law to be prefers to "Fall into a seat" as she puts it rather than climb up and climb down as she isn't strong enough. For fear of being called a hypocrite we have always had estate cars due to the practically, we were just lucky to get this car / engine combo but in past have had stuff with 120hp and been happy enough as her needs as a passenger come before my wants as a driver.
Given that mother had a hard time with access in the Leon my biggest concern is her footing most of the bill and running costs for a car that suits my brothers desire to be a 38 year old boy racer over his responsibilities to her.
Our cars are obviously not ideal and we make them work as she can't even get out the door without us. However my partner is 23 and I'm 26 which is the age I assumed your brother was in all honesty, hence why I was a bit more like he is young so could understand not wanting certain cars.
Merry Christmas all! Almost a year later and it looks like they have found a car - well going to view with a good chance of buying at least.
Of all things its a £7000 modified 2007 Astra VXR.
At nearly 40 I'd have had thought he was a bit to old for the whole boy racer in McDonalds thing but clearly not and its pretty safe to assume that he has had far more input in the decision making process than my mother :-(
The question now is do I get involved or bite my tongue and let them get on with it?
Happy days....
Of all things its a £7000 modified 2007 Astra VXR.
At nearly 40 I'd have had thought he was a bit to old for the whole boy racer in McDonalds thing but clearly not and its pretty safe to assume that he has had far more input in the decision making process than my mother :-(
The question now is do I get involved or bite my tongue and let them get on with it?
Happy days....
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