Advice on Buying an Automatic SH

Washout

I have to buy an automatic and have the accelerator pedal moved over (or a second accelerator installed) as my right foot has become paralyzed from the ankle down.

initially I want to buy a secondhand for up to 6K

What would be a good starter car?

I do have a fetish with Ford Focus's but not sure they are the best automatics.

Advice would be appreciated.

Stinicker

I think you may qualify for free Motor Tax due to your disability. Anyone know about this? It could have a big bearing on the sort of car you'd get as a bigger engined car will be better as an Auto and they are expensive to tax.

colm_mcm

You should be entitled to a vrt exemption, tax exemption and petrol allowance.
I'd be looking at a large-ish engined yoke from the uk.
Something with cruise control. You may find hand controls easier than a left pedal if you're used to driving.

The citizens advice website is full of info about how to go about the exemption, motability ireland in ashbourne are very helpful and can give you demos of the different equipment they sell.

I think you can claim vrt on the omsp of a used car you buy in ireland.

The first step is obtaining a primary medical cert from your gp

Washout

i applied for the Primary medical cert around xmas and am still awaiting my assessment, but ill be going back to work in a few months so its time i got a car.


i dont know if i will be entitled to it, i think they generally give it to ppl who are wheelchair bound and need a major mod done to the car, so not holding out hope for it

I am able to get around with a walking stick. and a carbon fibre yolk for my foot.

i was thinking of the UK also for buying a car as there is a better variety but the VRT cost had me hesitent.

didnt think of cruise control either. good tip that

colm_mcm

You don't have to be wheelchair bound. I've seen exemptions given where the only modification made was a €15 steering wheel spinner.

Washout

Just had my assessment this morning.

Doctor said he will bring it to a meeting with their senior officer and will try his best. strictly speaking i don't fall under any of the categories on the list, but he said as i was permanently disabled he would try his best to put a case forward for me.

will get a call tomorrow on it...hope i can cause im now thinking towards the 2.0TDCi Ford Focus Autmatic which would be around 30K. wouldnt. need a huge loan for it if i got the primary medical cert

colm_mcm

The exemption is limited to 9525 in VAT and VRT. Also factor in the cost of the adaptions, which are quite pricey.

Washout

colm_mcm wrote: »

The exemption is limited to 9525 in VAT and VRT. Also factor in the cost of the adaptions, which are quite pricey.

I dont think i need a huge mod colm.

a second accelerator pedal on the left side would do. me i think i cold get used to accelerating and braking with left foot.

Guy:Incognito

Would a hand operated throttle of some sort not be the best option (and easiest to get rid of if and when it comes to sale time)

Washout

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

Would a hand operated throttle of some sort not be the best option (and easiest to get rid of if and when it comes to sale time)

dont know. i will talk to motobaility ireland i guess to discuss best options.

Alfagtamini

we have a 2001 mk1 focus 1.6 auto for the driving school.
it is converted with:
right/left accelerator
hand accelerator and brake
remote steering controls
headrest and pedal indicators
swivel seat
dual controls

ive fitted a few of the mods and the accelerator is quite easy to fit. just 2 bolts and a mechanical linkage. also folds up out of the way so a person who uses a right accelerator pedal does not use the left accelerator as a clutch and crashes into a wall !!

the car itself is a little thirsty. and the auto box is not fantastic.


any questions please ask

Washout

Ive been turned down for the primary medical cert.

dont think there is appoint in appealing. doctor was telling me they have been advised to stick to the letter of the wordings of the disability which pretty much means if you can walk with crutches or walking stick your not gonna get it.

still means have to buy a car and get it adapted so in plowing on.

ive seen some good prices for ford mondeos ~2005 in the uk with mileage around 60k price ranges from 5k to 6k euro...the vrt is around 2k for these cars.

and i have to spend about another 800 - 1k or so for modifications.

would 8k represent good value for a 2005 mondeo with 60k miles on the clock?

Bigus

The way things are here at the moment there should be better value in Ireland for a straight purchase, just might takea bit of hunting down
In fact some cars here are cheaper than in the UK,even not counting VRT.
All Toyota Prius are automatic and most have Criuse control

Eric Cartman

go get yourself a bmw 525i or something similar in the UK , bigger engines play nicer with auto boxes and you can pick one up dirt cheap as nobody is buyign them anymore