Tall story

My husband, now retired, has driven Mercedes for many years but his latest Mercedes C180 estate no longer provides a comfortable driving position for him or easy access when getting in as he needs a higher seat and at 6'2" he needs good legroom too. We need space for a dog so a 4-door hatchback or estate might suit and good fuel consumption is also an important consideration now. Any ideas for a new or second-hand car around £18,000 would be very gratefully received by me at least as he's not doing anything other than groan about the discomfort.

Asked on 28 August 2010 by LL, via email

Answered by Honest John

There is, of course, the Mercedes B Class. But it's an extremely ugly car. The A Class is prettier. Possibly a new model Meriva. I was very impressed by that and Vauxhall has specifically designed it to be kind to backs. See video: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/vauxhall/vauxhall-...o The Ford C-Max offers excellent front seat access and lots of front seat room but is due for the chop at the end of the year. If you don't mind that, make sure you get a huge discount, of around £7,000. For the C-Max, try www.drivethedeal.com Don't go for a diesel unless you plan on driving 15,000 miles a year or more. A modern diesel with a particulate filter is totally unsuitable for short runs.

Tags: estates ergonomics buying used cars seats

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

After sales back-up

I bought a new BMW 320iSE in Feb 2010. My wife has experienced severe backache and problems since then. Cushions of varying shapes and of orthopaedic standard have been purchased, but the problem remains....

Hunchback of Bad Soden

I recently bought a 2006 BMW 525d Touring with sport seats. Am I alone in finding these seats fairly uncomfortable? The backrest is totally without shoulder support, and longer journeys become a strain...

Olive haul

My son in law's SAAB has done 165,000 miles and now needs replacing. Unfortunately he has a lot of back trouble and needs a car with adjustable lumbar support on the front seats. He travels from South...

Related models