Selection criteria for cars

Mark_Hewitt

MX5huggy wrote: »

They are basicly good now but you pay more for the car (or get one with a higher mileage/older) but then save on fuel.

But with the price differential these days, the savings are marginal.

That said they drive as good, or IMO, better, than their petrol equivalents.

Hintza

OP first port of call has to be What Car magazine that gives a quick way to figure out what each model comes with.

Lemonade_Pockets

Offspring is partly disabled and we are unsure if a manual rather than automatic is suitable... any comments on that choice.

The best thing to do is get yourself to a motability centre, most large towns and cities have at least one. They will be able to advise what is best and and any adaptations required. If you do require adaptations you may find some car's are not suitable because of their layout!

JamPot

Lemonade_Pockets wrote: »

The best thing to do is get yourself to a motability centre, most large towns and cities have at least one. They will be able to advise what is best and and any adaptations required. If you do require adaptations you may find some car's are not suitable because of their layout!

We have a specialist garage who do a lot of this type of modification work so it might be worth seeing what they say... I also agree with the poster who makes the comment re auto vs manual and the limitations on your options of cars to drive in the future. She is relatively ok at the moment with her condition but not the best she has been - it fluctates so I agree we need to get the best option for her.

Thanks for the pointer on What Car..... shame as I said they dont do a selection criteria thingy on their website.

And cheers so far on the other options/ideas mentioned.

As and when I have something of a list I will post it... might have a spare couple of hours awaiting footie this week end!:j

JamPot

After weeks of desk research - with the odd distraction of work getting in the way - have finalised a list of 4 we're looking at. Any comments would be welcome:

In alphabetical order:

Honda Civic
Mazda 3
Peuguot 206
Renault Megane (spikey boot version)

Thinking 3-4 year old versions....

Oh and have decided daughter will not be using this car...will sort something separate for her in due course.

negg

Buy a Peugeot 206 and make sure you have good breakdown cover :rotfl:.

If you want an easy life for reliability, go for the Japanese (the Honda/Mazda). The French cars will be much more trouble (particularly the Peugeot) but are more stylish to look at. Well, you can't have everything :rotfl:!!

hethmar

Does the scrappage deal not help you at all?

JamPot

hethmar wrote: »

Does the scrappage deal not help you at all?

Unfortunately not,as the car was... well dead.

Big end gone. Now scrapped at the scrap yard....oh for another 3 months. Maybe. Not sure I would have gone NEW anyway.

JamPot

negg wrote: »

Buy a Peugeot 206 and make sure you have good breakdown cover :rotfl:.

If you want an easy life for reliability, go for the Japanese (the Honda/Mazda). The French cars will be much more trouble (particularly the Peugeot) but are more stylish to look at. Well, you can't have everything :rotfl:!!

Thanks for the advice but...

DOH! 207 not 206 is the option (Why do I have a mental block on this ??!!)

emmell

I've had both the new shape civic and the previous model and both were good cars although the 2001 model 1.4 was a little underpowered. The 2007 model 1.8 petrol was great to drive a huge boot for its size and you could lift the back seat bases up vertical to get through loading with good height. I bought it because it was the best car size wise to accomodate my disabled mother and her wheelchair and lovely to drive as well.
I now have a Mini which is one of the few cars that only has two seats in the back, so,
although a cracking little car, no good for yourself.
ML.