Another new car thread...

useless

Father-in-law has asked me to recommend a car for him... this is a bit of a poisoned chalice really because if anything ever goes wrong with the thing I'll never hear the end of it:)

Anyway, requirements & constraints...
- budget 20-25k, 2012 or 2011 model (I can convince him that it doesnt need to be 'brand new')
- comfortable seats- he is 6'2", 70-odd and has a dodgy hip and knee.
- manual gearbox. Despite being an orthpaedic surgeon's dream, he's only ever driven manuals and thinks its too late to be teaching an old dog new tricks. No convincing him otherwise...
- He only covers about 5k miles a year, he's only had 3 cars in the last 20 years so this car will probably be his last. Petrol/diesel, engine size and road tax not a consideration (well, maybe not the 2k+ tax band!)
- he's coming from a 00 Saab 93 which he's had for 10 years. He thinks that's too big, as is his buddy's Avensis, but his wife's Mk4 Golf is too small. (I can talk him round this, I think)

I'm thinking the following might be options-
Peugeot 308 or 3008- the Brother has had several 308s and they're comfortable and easy to drive. The 3008 might suit the FIL better as it's essentially the same car but higher up & easier for him to get into.
Qashqai.
Tiguan might be a bit pricey though
Golf Plus- but are these even being made anymore?
Citroen DS4- slightly above budget, I'd be a bit worried about reliability, but I think they look great:)

Anything else I should think about?

walus

Forget those Peugeots or Nissans . Going conventional: Volvo S40, slightly unconventional Lexus CT200H. Cheers.

Tabnabs

The S40 is no longer made, but the C30 would be smaller in size with the same environment for the driver.

mailforkev

useless wrote: »

Golf Plus- but are these even being made anymore?

Had a 12 reg one of these in front of me yesterday, so they are still being made.

How about a Merc B-Class? Just been replaced so you'd prob get a good deal on an old model 11/12 one.

Something with a little bit higher driving position prob best for an old fella with limited mobility. Much easier to sit straight in rather than sit down into.

mailforkev

Tabnabs wrote: »

The S40 is no longer made, but the C30 would be smaller in size with the same environment for the driver.

I actually drive a C30 myself and getting in and out wouldn't be the easiest for an older person, it's a bit of a dip down into the seat with a big heavy door to hold open.

walus

+1 for Merc B-Class. Was in a one old type 1.7cdi and it was a very smooth drive.

useless

Thanks for the suggestions so far. S40 is a non runner. I had one for years & he didn't like it.