Starter car for oversized teen
Discussion
In the spring, father's thoughts turn to cars for sons turning 17. However, mine is knocking on 6' 7". He can't fit into the Fiat 500 we have for such duties, not without substantial modifications (either to him or the car), so what does the collective recommend by way of manual transmission, insurable and manageably sized starter vehicles for the very very lanky?
Tigerj said:
I know someone of a similar height, strangely they swear by smart cars.
Though best bet is to go to your nearest big car supermarket and let him sit in all the low powered small engine cars they have and see which works
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It's pretty random what cars tall people can fit in and often depends on if they're taller in body or leg. I'm 6'4 and there were some odd cars I couldn't get comfortable in like the Nissan Juke, a newer Astra than my old one, etc. and some that I found great like the A1 and Fiesta. You just have to try them all.Though best bet is to go to your nearest big car supermarket and let him sit in all the low powered small engine cars they have and see which works
.
Auto cars also help as you don't need your clutch leg to come all the way up under the steering wheel but I've seen you specified manual so that's no good for you!
[quote=Tigerj]I know someone of a similar height, strangely they swear by smart cars.
I agree on the smart cars. I learnt to drive in a Smart ForFour (the original one from 2004/2005) and in terms of leg room and head room it was excellent. One of my friends is 6ft 5 has a Hyundai i20. He seems to get on alright with that. Also a Fiat Panda and Honda Jazz might be worth a try - taller family members have had both and got on well head room and leg room wise. Jazz's do tend to rot though particularly on the cil so worth checking out the underneath!
I agree on the smart cars. I learnt to drive in a Smart ForFour (the original one from 2004/2005) and in terms of leg room and head room it was excellent. One of my friends is 6ft 5 has a Hyundai i20. He seems to get on alright with that. Also a Fiat Panda and Honda Jazz might be worth a try - taller family members have had both and got on well head room and leg room wise. Jazz's do tend to rot though particularly on the cil so worth checking out the underneath!
964Cup said:
In the spring, father's thoughts turn to cars for sons turning 17. However, mine is knocking on 6' 7". He can't fit into the Fiat 500 we have for such duties, not without substantial modifications (either to him or the car), so what does the collective recommend by way of manual transmission, insurable and manageably sized starter vehicles for the very very lanky?
I just bought my daughter a Grande Punto T-Jet. It is like a tardis inside compared to Fiesta's and Corsa's I was looking at whilst still having a small footprint. I am 6ft3 and can easily fit in with plenty of room to spare. Aircon, Panoramic roof, cruise control, android auto head unit. It has everything for a first time driver and more.
TGCOTF-dewey said:
Old shape ford Ka if you can find one not rusty. Sportka if insurance isn't silly as it's one of the most fun cars I've driven. Peak ford handling era.
To reiterate, they do rot so buy with that in mind!
I'm 6' 5" and there was plenty of head and leg room for me.
Agree a Ford Ka has loads of head/leg room. Cheap to buy and maintain too. Don’t make the mistake of big man needs big car. Small city cars seem to be some of the best for driver space. Hyundai i10 also worth trying, lots of headroom.To reiterate, they do rot so buy with that in mind!
I'm 6' 5" and there was plenty of head and leg room for me.
lolI'd probably head to a car supermarket and have a sit in as many models as possible. At this end of the market not many cars have telescoping steering columns which makes a big difference in fit for odd-sized people.
Oddly, the chevvy malibu (rental car fodder in the USA) has rediculous range of seating - I'm 6'2 and with the seat fully back my feet can't reach the pedals at the top of their travel, let alone at the bottom, whereas in other cars I'm already at the limits of the sliders.
Oddly, the chevvy malibu (rental car fodder in the USA) has rediculous range of seating - I'm 6'2 and with the seat fully back my feet can't reach the pedals at the top of their travel, let alone at the bottom, whereas in other cars I'm already at the limits of the sliders.
BricktopST205 said:
I just bought my daughter a Grande Punto T-Jet. It is like a tardis inside compared to Fiesta's and Corsa's I was looking at whilst still having a small footprint. I am 6ft3 and can easily fit in with plenty of room to spare.
Aircon, Panoramic roof, cruise control, android auto head unit. It has everything for a first time driver and more.
I am not doubting your opinion and not knocking Fiats, I've had two of them, but the Punto and Corsa of that iteration are the same car with different styling. My last Fiat was white with alloys wheels, that looks very smart. Aircon, Panoramic roof, cruise control, android auto head unit. It has everything for a first time driver and more.
Whilst it probably carries 0 street cred, my 2006 Panda 169 has bucket loads of head room and cabin space for a small car. I’d imagine a newer shape one in the 1.3 multijet (100hp ish on a remap) would be plenty spacious and cheap but would still offer some nice options for the value
964Cup said:
In the spring, father's thoughts turn to cars for sons turning 17. However, mine is knocking on 6' 7". He can't fit into the Fiat 500 we have for such duties, not without substantial modifications (either to him or the car), so what does the collective recommend by way of manual transmission, insurable and manageably sized starter vehicles for the very very lanky?
My son is an inch shorter. Shared a Fiesta Mk5 with his less tall sister for several years without issue. I believe it has an adjustable steering column.66HFM said:
Just food for thought but although Smart cars may be ideal aren't they all automatic rather than manual?
May not be an issue with the number of new cars (and EVs) being all autos but it may restrict him in the future.
Pretty sure the four seater ones (are they also a twingo), come in manual.May not be an issue with the number of new cars (and EVs) being all autos but it may restrict him in the future.
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