Help me find a car for my partner
- Thread starter Skilid
- Start date
I get that, but perhaps if she tests one she'll become enlightened and expand her criteria? 
People stick to what they are comfortable with but can end up missing out. Large windows, raised seating position, cameras and sensors everywhere - she might really prefer sitting higher etc.
Either way, worth a shot as if it pays off you'll have a much larger pool of cars to choose from, and have something much more practical
People stick to what they are comfortable with but can end up missing out. Large windows, raised seating position, cameras and sensors everywhere - she might really prefer sitting higher etc.
Either way, worth a shot as if it pays off you'll have a much larger pool of cars to choose from, and have something much more practical
Is any type of small crossover of interest?
The raised seating position of such cars will probably be one of the best ways to solve the blinding problem.
Something like a Skoda Yeti is still reasonably small but fairly high up in comparison to the Fabia and in Elegance, L&K or Monte Carlo trim will have Xenon lights (for the 2014 onwards cars at least, not sure on older ones, would need a bit of research).
A Toyota CH-R is perhaps also worth looking at, I think they look bigger than they are - again, nice raised position and in 'Dynamic' trim will have LED headlights.
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![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
This seems like a very large amount of money to spend on a small car thats so old. If thats what they cost, I'd avoid them.
You might want to consider a current generation Mini (2014 to present).
They are well built, many are quite well specified and the cars with the LED headlights have absolutely excellent lights. My partner had a 2012 Mini which she really liked but had similar complaints to yours about poor lights causing her issues at night, which was one of the reasons we changed it for the current model. The lights are absolutely excellent - better than my 5 Series with Xenon headlights - and it's also surprisingly refined on longer journeys. Other than the automatic gearbox (Which is available if you wish) she has very similar requirements to your partner and the Mini is ideally suited.
The Mini warranty is also inexpensive if you buy one with lower mileage.
Soldato
- Joined
- 10 Oct 2006
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- 3,693
I’ve just went through similar with my mum, she also had a Fabia with poor headlights.
A couple of things to improve the oncoming dazzle at night check the condition of the windscreen small marks on it are highlighted in strong sunlight and oncoming car headlights at night. You can also get glasses designed for night driving that help reduce the dazzle.
The ultimate solution for my mum was I bought her a Polo with adaptive matrix LED headlights they are superb and she is now far more comfortable driving in the dark.
A couple of things to improve the oncoming dazzle at night check the condition of the windscreen small marks on it are highlighted in strong sunlight and oncoming car headlights at night. You can also get glasses designed for night driving that help reduce the dazzle.
The ultimate solution for my mum was I bought her a Polo with adaptive matrix LED headlights they are superb and she is now far more comfortable driving in the dark.
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Thanks I'll take a look at those. I have always noticed that the later gen Minis are one of the vehicles that are always blinding when coming in the opposite direction. Along with Range Rovers & Nissan Qashqais. They all seem to have their lights pointed a bit too high.
I agree with this. Does she have an astigmatism that isn't corrected properly? Or otherwise, is she staring at oncoming headlights every time there is a car heading towards her, rather then focusing on her side of the road?
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She has had all relevant eye tests done and has the correct prescription and glasses. Has anti glare on the lenses, too. Her eyesight is nowhere near bad enough where she wouldn't be allowed to drive. She has just always struggled with depth perception, and working out where the corners of the car are. Even just walking round the house she bumps into things. Driving during the day is absolutely fine. She doesn't particularly enjoy parking, but she does just fine.
Don
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- 20 Oct 2002
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- Oxfordshire / Bucks
Mazda 2 ?
Not sure they come with LED or Xenon headlights?
Don
- Joined
- 20 Oct 2002
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- 34,631
- Location
- Oxfordshire / Bucks
LED on mazda 2, just checked
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I can vouch for the f56 minis being fantastic cars. Plenty of power and comfortable for longer journeys. I've not driven a lot of cars but it had one of the most satisfying manual gearboxes I've used.
Mine didn't have xenons spec'd but 0 complains about night driving. Would be worth test driving one first though.
