Best car for mobility

squarehead94 · 30 Jun 2017 at 20:48

Hi all.

My mother has been placed on higher rate mobility and PIP - due to cancer - and my dad's battered old Volvo isn't ideal for getting in and out of. With a few debts to pay off too, they think it might be best to sell both their cars (unlikely she will drive again) and get one on mobility.

My auntie who is in a similar situation got a ford kuga diesel, which seems a nice car, but a chap I know got a Skoda yeti - I don't know much about best cars for getting in and out of for disabled people so hoping someone on here can give reviews of such cars. Thinking most saloons will sit too low, as she doesn't have much mobility in her legs, so something easy to get in and out of is essential, with comfort in driving and respectable fuel economy. Not looking for a deluxe top spec range, just something with easy access and with good comfort as I say.

Any suggestions? Especially if anyone here has got a mobility car so we know what to look for.

Thanks

ahenners · 30 Jun 2017 at 21:02

A colleague with similar requirements has an X1 25d X Line via mobility which seems decent. His partner has physical disabilities and finds it easier to get into something higher up. Has all the basic spec covered; auto, leather, heated seats, business Nav, LED headlights, xdrive etc.

Shame it's been broken for 3 weeks with no ETA to fix, when only 6 months old though.

I believe they also looked at the Audi Q3 - not as well specced, and the Kuga - which was "cheap and plasticky". Skoda Yeti is no longer in production as it is going to be replaced by the Karoq. Seat Ateca is probably worth a look though if available. I'd imagine those sorts of cars will be best for the needs you mention.

Uther · 30 Jun 2017 at 22:19

Best thing to do is visit a few dealers and try the different models out.

Richie · 1 Jul 2017 at 07:06

A lot of the cars are no longer on the Motability Scheme due to them changing it and setting a maximum price limit of circa £28K for a manual and £29,500 for an auto so a lot of BMW/Merc/Audi cars are out now...

Big Spender · 1 Jul 2017 at 07:30

My dad was in the same situation, he was looking at the yeti and in the end got a VW tiguan. The motibility folk are great, after he passed away we had a month before we had to return it, gave us plenty of time to get everything else in order, you know just one less thing to have to deal with in the immediate aftermath of his passing

Dougsnake · 1 Jul 2017 at 12:48

The new Skoda Kodiak seems to getting good reviews if that's the type of car your after ,worth a look

The Judge · 1 Jul 2017 at 15:24

Not on motibility but due to Arthritis in the lower spine anything less than a medium sized jeep is too much hassle for me. Probably get slated for that lol. Best to try them out and see what suits

gumpy321 · 1 Jul 2017 at 15:25

Dougsnake said:
The new Skoda Kodiak seems to getting good reviews if that's the type of car your after ,worth a look

The Kodiaq is not on the scheme yet, as far as I'm aware. Plus you'd be waiting a long time to get one, as all dealers have sold their quota. You'll be waiting well into next year for your order.

mattcrane · 3 Jul 2017 at 21:46

Play around with the Motability website search engine it will give you lots of ideas then go to the dealers that you are interested in and ask for extended test drives as an hour or two is not enough to see if its suitable.

http://www.motability.co.uk/cars-scooters-and-powerchairs/search/

mattcrane · 3 Jul 2017 at 21:46

Richie said:
A lot of the cars are no longer on the Motability Scheme due to them changing it and setting a maximum price limit of circa £28K for a manual and £29,500 for an auto so a lot of BMW/Merc/Audi cars are out now...

There are still over 2000 cars available on the scheme and its changing all the time, one of the biggest change's has been the massive increase in the amount of AP that has to be paid by the individual.

Kiethton · 5 Jul 2017 at 17:25

GF has two siblings with disabilities and limited mobility (no wheelchairs but good access needed) and as a result her parents get a notability car.

They've had Zafira's for donkeys years, a good 5 different cars, replaced every 3 years.

Does everything they need it to, easy to et in and out of, space to move things should you have a need to and easy to drive.

They also require no initial deposit (most need a good few £££ upfront). May be an option?

eddie101 · 6 Jul 2017 at 17:49

My dad has motability cars and has now settled on the Tiguan. Has had 1 for the last 3 years and is changing to the new one in Sept. Apparently the newer one is a lot easier to get in and out of too, so may be worth a look

Werewolf · 7 Jul 2017 at 15:49

Uther said:
Best thing to do is visit a few dealers and try the different models out.

This really, there is no one model that does for everyone even if they've got similar needs.

Going back about 20 years my mum found that a Zafira was the best option for her needs at the time (problems with leg, inability to bend, need to be able to get into the car without lowering herself too much), as the door opening was big enough on the front to let her swing her leg in easily, whilst the seat and door heights were such that she didn't have to bend much to get into it.

The Zafira was also great for her mobility scooter as we could lift it in (sans battery and seat) behind one of the rear seats with ease rather than have to break it down fully, and the large rear opening meant the lifting was minimal.

robfosters · 7 Jul 2017 at 15:57

Richie said:
A lot of the cars are no longer on the Motability Scheme due to them changing it and setting a maximum price limit of circa £28K for a manual and £29,500 for an auto so a lot of BMW/Merc/Audi cars are out now...

Hasn't really affected the cars available too much though. What about a BMW X1?

Kuros · 10 Jul 2017 at 09:19

My nan seems to have no problems with a quashqai, large enough and comfortable. Not sure if it's allowed on mobility, but I would like to think so.

Schizo · 10 Jul 2017 at 09:46

I know 2 people on the mobility scheme.
My ex who has cancer and bad back due to the cancer has a ford b max automatic,she loves it and suits her as its higher than most cars and with sliding doors makes it easier to get people in and out.

My best friend has a Nissan quashqai and that's really really nice.loads of tech on like sat nav,cameras everywhere as well.

Armageus · 10 Jul 2017 at 10:08

robfosters said:
Hasn't really affected the cars available too much though. What about a BMW X1?

Relatively high upfront payment if that is an issue though?
£1749 for the manual / £2499 for the auto - BMW X1 2.0TD sDrive18d SE 5dr

+ taking the full amount of your DLA/PIP (which at a quick look is £564/month) I'd be surprised if for the more "premium" cars, that couldn't get a better PCP deal elsewhere, rather than go through motability.

EDIT: ignore me - DLA mobility component is all they take, so £58*4 = £232/month. Still could probably get a good PCP or lease deal elsewhere.