Wheelchair access 4WD???

scheming_gypsy

he mentioned it here... I don't disagree with you but he's obviously just looking out for them and covering all angles so if a 4x4 is going to give that extra piece of mind then that's what they want.

knightstyle wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the replies. They need a 4WD as the narrow lanes are tarmac but the passing places are mud, lots of people get stuck in them.

knightstyle

Thanks again for all the help, you really do need a 4x4 to use the passing places, the road is up and down hills, narrow with grass in the middle and passing is by going into field entrances which have been churned up by tractors etc. As for being townies they are certainly not! lived and worked in rural Dorset and Devon since 1958, maybe longer!!!!!
So once again I ask for suggestions for a small 4x4, a Panda, Berlingo size which is available with 4x4 and automatic. We will then get in touch with these people to see if the hoist can be fitted.
http://www.autochair.co.uk/store/scooter-and-wheelchair-lifts/autochair-80kg-mini-hoist
Oh, no they don't get motability or anything else, they, like me have never claimed benefits and as this is a recent, two years, problem when I enquired I was told they are too old to start a claim.

gilbert_and_sullivan

You're going to struggle to find a 4x4 small enough for your purpose, some serious wonga going to be spent converting too, always going to be tricky getting a flat floor low enough to clear the rear transmission.

I see contractors taking Berlingos and Kangoos onto road and building sites where you'd never imagine they'd go.
I'd be looking at finding one of these or a similar van based type of vehicle and getting it converted or buying one already done, proper set of all weather tyres on it and it'll go anywhere.

Ask any skilled off roader, tyres make more difference than anything else.

You can go the next size up, Citroen Dispatch, Pug Expert, Fiat Scudo, all the same vehicle, but considerably wider, maybe too wide for Devon lanes, Berlingo/Partner especially the older much narrower model is a cracking all round basic vehicle.

Lum

Just had a brainwave! How about a VW Golf 4Motion with the DSG gearbox? I had one of these as a hire car in GT TDI trim (140bhp) and it ticks every requirement you've listed, providing that hoist will go in the back.

It's not a torque converter automatic, but it will still change gear for him, right?

gilbert_and_sullivan

Beg pardon didn't realise you wanted auto as well.

Xsara Picasso in petrol form did come with the option of a proper torque converter auto box, it's basically a Berlingo in a frock so has a lot going for it.

KierNet

Might be worth having a look at Gowrings Mobility, they adapted my brothers car, and I seem to remember they were very helpful.

knightstyle

Thanks again everyone, this is the road they live down, then turn of it.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Southpool+Creek&hl=en&ll=50.255547,-3.715782&spn=0.028591,0.075531&sll=52.84709,-2.298134&sspn=6.863409,19.335937&vpsrc=6&hnear=Southpool+Creek&t=m&z=14&layer=c&cbll=50.255525,-3.716014&panoid=GPmQHAr-znbwtJ2gQ9jvWg&cbp=12,270,,0,0
Like the Golf but can we get the DSG with 4x4???

Lum

Yes you can, I had exactly that combination on an 05 Golf 4Motion as a hire car once.

knightstyle

Thanks lum, had a look and the 4x4 Golfs seem to be 250bhp low profile tyre boy racers, not suitable for aged parents.
gilbert and sullivan, did the Picasso come in 4x4, (I know the old Scenic did but not in auto)? If so when as after much searching I can't find any 4x4 autos.
Had a look at the RAV4 which was the best yet but a bit high for poor old dad to get into.
STILL looking so more ideas please.

Lum

You are looking at the Golf R32!

Look for the GT TDI 4Motion, 140bhp, though it is still a "sports" model.

Any small European 4WD hatchback is going to be a sports model, unfortunately.

You could always buy some standard wheels and eBay the fancy ones to a boy racer who wants to make his mum's 90bhp diesel golf look like a sport model.