Which comfortable car for chauffeuring my elderly mother?

I am seeking help for my current problem. I need a car to chauffeur my elderly mother which will give her excellent comfort, which will be reliable. I currently have an Audi A4 saloon which I am happy with and would consider another. Friends have suggested a used Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Golf, Ford B or S-Max, or even a mid-sized SUV, but I suspect that getting in to sit will be an issue. I just don't know. My budget is £15,000 max.

Asked on 9 February 2013 by SL, London N4

Answered by Honest John
I suggest the Mazda 5 Mk II TS2 on 205/55 R16 Toyo J48s with the unpopular 1.8 petrol engine. It has extremely compliant suspension, is very comfortable, very easy to get in and out of and actually handles better than any other MPV, including the new C-Max. But a B-Max rides very well, has wide opening side doors (the whole side opens) and is usefully compact.
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