Car for the taller gent e16,000, suggest away!

Nephew

I am thinking of selling my car in the next few months once I pass my driving test. I reckon I'll get e6000 for my current car (2002 Astra, bought for e8000 last December) and I'm willing to add e10,000 to that. I'm looking for suggestions on what I can get for that kind of money.

I seriously have no idea what I want, other than it having sufficient head and leg room so I'm not slouched in the seat with a sore back trying to look out the windscreen like I am in my Astra. A few other requirement's would be that's its no older than 2001, at least a 1.6L, nothing extraordinarily bland, somewhat insurable for a 22 year old and if possible I want to keep the mileage under the 40,000 mile mark.

I really don't mind importing from the UK if it means I'd get a better car.

Thanks

colm_mcm

are you into the whole SUV thing?

Nephew

Not really tbh. I drive a few 4x4's in work and tbh I don't know why people would drive one as their primary vehicle.

GBX

Passats are fairly roomy inside.

colm_mcm

How about something like a Honda CR-V or dare i say it a Rav4?

Lots of cars will fit the bill, anything in the Passat/Mondeo/Avensis category will be more spacious than your Astra. Do you want a raised driving position or just a wee bit more room?

mike65

How high are you?

I'm 6'4 and the following have been fine for me Audi A6, Mercs, Opel Corsas (not that you'll be wanting one of them!). French cars often lack head-room and Italians tend to favour short of leg.

Mike.

Nephew

Thanks guys.

Ideally all I want is more room around the driver seat and something that looks good, I don't care too much about the rear passenger space. I know I sound awkward but I honestly haven't a clue what I want.

Mike, I'm 6'6

peasant

Get a Saab 95 for about half your budget and use some of it for the more expensive insurance (2 liter)

Veeery comfortable car for the larger driver and cheap second hand.

Nephew

I was actually looking at the 95 but it's not the prettiest of cars. I'm not too fond of the aesthetics of the pre 2006 passat either.

muletide

can I reccomend a MAzda 6. Nice sized car with plenty of interior space you should get a high spec 05 for 16k

jayok

I'd recommend a CR-V - Oodles of head-room and space for all involved. Not actually an SUV simply an estate car (or so the registration would seem). Only comes in a 2 litre though and you'd get a decent one for that money. But may not be to your taste

Gregor Samsa

I second the Mazda 6. Loads of space up front, and head room seems to be ample too.

michaelanthony

A 3 series. You can fit a very tall driver in the them.

prospect

* Note to self: Do not get in an argument with Mike65 or Nephew .....

bennyc

I am 6.4 , my wife has a foucus not the best for long runs. I had a vectra which had plenty of space in fairness. Driving an 02 S60 now and the amount of adjustments you can make to the driving position is pretty class.
NOt sure how the insurance would fair out but worth looking into.

craichoe

2.4L Toyota Camry,

My aul fella has the same complaint as yourself and after trying out quite a few options he went for the above:

http://www.cbg.ie/Cardetail.aspx?CBGID=-4&ID=1171645&NumPics=5&Make=Toyota&Model=Camry&frmFilter=

Theres loads of them around, the full leather interior is worth it too, much easier to keep clean and wears alot better.

I'd say give it a drive and see what you think, very comfortable and quiet, i didnt like it to drive myself, the clutch is a bit weird, for like an on/off button.

zuutroy

I'm 6'6" and I've never found a car I couldnt fit in handy enough, right down to my mother's Yaris. I currently drive a Sera which is tiny, and yet I fir in no bother. I think if your willing to drive with the seat in a reclined position you'll have no bother with any car.

unkel

zuutroy wrote:

I'm 6'6" and I've never found a car I couldnt fit in handy enough, right down to my mother's Yaris. I currently drive a Sera which is tiny, and yet I fir in no bother. I think if your willing to drive with the seat in a reclined position you'll have no bother with any car.

You didn't try a Fiat Cinquecento so? I'm just under 6'2 and I struggled

craichoe

zuutroy wrote:

I'm 6'6" and I've never found a car I couldnt fit in handy enough, right down to my mother's Yaris. I currently drive a Sera which is tiny, and yet I fir in no bother. I think if your willing to drive with the seat in a reclined position you'll have no bother with any car.

True, but alot of people have back complaints, having a large area makes it ALOT more comfortable for long journeys. I mean.. i could fit in the back seat of a Jaguar XJ8, but for a long journey it would suck

Fey!

I'm 6'5" and have a 520; you could probably pick up a '01 with a decent spec for your budget. Great space. I'm also just over the 20 stone mark (I find that it's not just height, it's physical bulk). Found the 3 series a bit cramped.

As Zuutroy says, you'll be able to fit in most cars, but for long rung comfort a Yaris or a Corsa will be very cramped.

A friend of mine is 6'4" and 23 stone and had Mondeos for years, which he found great for room. He's also had a couple of 5 series and an A4; the A4 was, IMHO, the most uncomfortable. I had an Accord before the 5, and also found it very good.

Fey!

unkel wrote:

You didn't try a Fiat Cinquecento so? I'm just under 6'2 and I struggled

I can drive one of them no bother; can't drive a Seicento, though!:D

tred

Nephew wrote:

I am thinking of selling my car in the next few months once I pass my driving test. I reckon I'll get e6000 for my current car (2002 Astra, bought for e8000 last December) and I'm willing to add e10,000 to that. I'm looking for suggestions on what I can get for that kind of money.

I seriously have no idea what I want, other than it having sufficient head and leg room so I'm not slouched in the seat with a sore back trying to look out the windscreen like I am in my Astra. A few other requirement's would be that's its no older than 2001, at least a 1.6L, nothing extraordinarily bland, somewhat insurable for a 22 year old and if possible I want to keep the mileage under the 40,000 mile mark.

I really don't mind importing from the UK if it means I'd get a better car.

Thanks

Try a Skoda Superb. buddy of mine, swears by it for room. and youll get a decent one for that money id say. Try it and see.

unkel

Fey! wrote:

I can drive one of them no bother; can't drive a Seicento, though!:D

That's funny. The other way around for me! But hey I'm only a wee fella compared to you

peasant

Golf "Plus" maybe?

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=683826

but I think they're only a recent model hence too expensive ?

Tabnabs

Fey! wrote:

I can drive one of them no bother; can't drive a Seicento, though!:D

I'm 6'3" and my better half used to have a Seicento, great little car, TBH I couldn't fit behind the wheel either but loads of headroom, we even did the ring of Kerrry in it once, had a brilliant time, passed an A6 on the Limrick bypass doing 80mph and he was not impressed

Nephew

muletide wrote:

can I reccomend a MAzda 6. Nice sized car with plenty of interior space you should get a high spec 05 for 16k

Yes, very roomy car, my mother will be selling her 05 model in January, I guess if I find nothing in the meantime I could wait till then, but due to the spec and low mileage it'd be at least 4 or 5 grand over my budget when the time comes, and I dunno if I fancy driving a car my aul one used to drive tbh:D.

colm_mcm

How about an Avensis, I've loads of room and I'm 6'1

sesswhat

bennyc wrote:

I am 6.4 , my wife has a foucus not the best for long runs.

Interesting you should say that. I find the original model focus to be much more comfortable than the later one for a long journey.

KTRIC

Beetles have loads and loads of head room. Although they are a bit on the gay side unless you get an old one and pimp it out.

mike65

On the Mondeo. What Car (I think) did a test years back and showed how a woman of 4'11" and a big bloke of 6'5" ish both found useable/comfortable driving positions in one.

The Citroen Multispace/Berlingo has masses of headroom. But its also a bit of a box!

Mike.

Henry Ford III

colm_mcm wrote:

How about an Avensis, I've loads of room and I'm 6'1

He wanted a car

Fey!

Nephew wrote:

Yes, very roomy car, my mother will be selling her 05 model in January, I guess if I find nothing in the meantime I could wait till then, but due to the spec and low mileage it'd be at least 4 or 5 grand over my budget when the time comes, and I dunno if I fancy driving a car my aul one used to drive tbh:D.

At least you'll know that hers wasn't abused (except by you, perhaps!!:D ), so you'd be VERY sure of the history. Maybe save hard 'til January for the extra money and get a car you know and like?

Nephew

I've always liked the A3 but I've never been in one, how does it compare in head/leg room to say a Golf?

Fizman

Nephew wrote:

I've always liked the A3 but I've never been in one, how does it compare in head/leg room to say a Golf?

I'm 6'2 and have a Golf....no problems....AFAIK the A3 is slightly less roomy inside than the Golf going by the stats for both but I think you'd struggle to find a major difference

Nephew

Actually I think the saab 9-3 is at the top of my list right now
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=721883

tuxy

Very attractive car. Saab's have been getting more popular in the last few years

Nephew

Unfortunately that particular car will be sold by the time I get round to buying one in September. Shakes fist at driving test waiting list!