First car for 18 yr old - needs telescopic adjust steering

[sjtgeray]

Hi all..Am after something cheap and cheerful (Sub £3K) that is insurance friendly due to having no NCB and a license for only 9 months.
However daughter has long legs relative to torso and with her seat positioned comfortably for her legs, she cant reach the steering wheel in cars she has tried (Smart ForFour 2006, basic Fiesta, Focus), as they only have height adjustable steering and no ability to pull the wheel nearer to driver.
Not sure there is any way to search for cars that have adjustable wheels, so hoping the wisdom of Pistonheads might have some suggestions.
The car she learnt to drive in (instructors car) was a 17 plate nicely specced Focus which had an adjustable wheel, but obviously outside price range to buy...thanks

[Ron99]

Even new 'small town cars' (often referred to as 'A-segment') still usually don't have reach adjustment - cars such as: Ka, Up, Aygo, 108, C1, Viva, Celerio etc.
The next size up (often referred to as 'B-segment') usually have it in modern versions, and even as far back as about ten years ago - cars such as: Fiesta, Polo, Yaris, 208, Corsa etc.

And to be honest, if it was my 18yr old, I'd rather they crashed in a relatively modern car than an old one because with modern safety kit they're much more likely to be able to walk away from the wreck.

[sjtgeray]

Cheers....Sounds like i need to try and find an early (10 yrs back) B segment car to get it into budget. Guess it will be a case of having to contact owners of advertised cars and asking as not sure there is any other way to know if the steering column is telescopic or not

[Benrad]

I'm long legs short arms and found a Mk7 Fiesta had good adjustment in the wheel, better than many bigger cars I've driven. Vauxhalls in particular never allow the wheel to come far enough back for me to be comfy.

Mk7 Fiesta started in 2008 and I'd have thought you'll find one on budget

The one I had was a facelift 2015 model, can't imagine they changed the wheel adjustment in that facelift but it's possible

[Summit_Detailing]

My mother has a base spec, first gen Skoda Fabia (2005) and that definitely has reach adjustment on the wheel as I drove it a couple of weeks ago and adjusted it.

As the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo are essentially the same car I'd like to think these have reach adjustment also.

A little 1.2 should be a great first car too.

Hyundai I10 and Kia Picanto where the others that sprung to mind but having looked at some interior pics of both they appear to adjustable for rake.

cheers,

Chris

[aaron_2000]

My Focus' have all had it as standard, Fiat 500 might have it. I know the Polo and Fabia do.

Edited by aaron_2000 on Sunday 19th May 19:41

[l354uge]

Skoda octavia has it, not cool atall but safer (especially 4 or 5 up, as alot of youths do) than a supermini. No idea what the insurance would be like for her, mind, its cheap for me!

[joropug]

If it helps I'm in an Astra H (2005) and it has reach adjustment. They're also cheap as hell, easy to drive and available with a 1.4 Petrol and 1.3 diesel. Worth a look.

[Defconluke]

Summit_Detailing said:

My mother has a base spec, first gen Skoda Fabia (2005) and that definitely has reach adjustment on the wheel as I drove it a couple of weeks ago and adjusted it.

As the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo are essentially the same car I'd like to think these have reach adjustment also.

Can confirm my 2006 Ibiza has reach adjustment too so more than likely standard across all 3 of the VAG siblings (Fabia, Ibiza and Polo).

We've also had some Citroen C3s in work (2010-2016 model) and these also have reach adjustment on the wheel.

[RSTurboPaul]

Would it be possible to fit an aftermarket steering wheel boss to a modern vehicle with an airbag, to bring the wheel closer?

[Blanchimont]

Fiat 500 doesn't have reach adjustment.
Have a look at a Grande Punto. Pretty sure my old one did have it.

[sjtgeray]

Thanks all....some more ideas to follow up ...cheers for chipping in