Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Thu 12 May 2016 14:29
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - Jokerman

I am trying to find a car that ticks a lot of boxes. I am wondering if there are too many boxes as I can't seem to find one that ticks them all. I am on the standard rate of mobility PIP payment and so I want to spend this payment on a car. The PIP payment is £21.80 per week. I have about £1500 to put towards this. I am looking for the best car I can get (obviously) that costs the £1500 plus a weekly credit payment of about £22 per week over 3 years

I am looking for a smallish hatchback

I would like a diesel

I would like it to have enough room for a folding wheelchair

The make and modle must have a good reliability record, and have a probability that it will be that way for the three years that I will own it.

It must be easy enough for a disaabled person to get in and out of. For example I struggle with a Fiat 500, Struggle with a Nissan Note, but find a most otther hatchbacks easy.

Thanks :)

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Thu 12 May 2016 15:16
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - HandCart

What sort of journeys do you typically do?
Nowadays, diesel cars are only suitable where most of one's journeys are at least 10 miles long mainly driven at 40+ mph, and you do at least 15000 miles a year.
They are definitely not suitable if you mostly do short journeys in urban traffic, and are not financially-justified if you only do low annual mileage.

Also, do you find it easier to get in and out of a car that has a fairly low 'normal' seat, or a car that has a 'higher up' seat?
Or is it how far (angle) the door opens that is significant for you?

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Thu 12 May 2016 16:05
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - daveyjp

Small diesel hatchbacks are for driving instructors!

If reliability is key go Japanese manufacturer - Toyota Yaris or Auris (both available in hybrid form if mpg is an issue) and the new Honda Jazz would be on my list.

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Thu 12 May 2016 16:05
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - Jokerman

Thank you for your reply

Well you raise a good point if that is how diesels preform best. I would not be doing above 8000 miles per year, maybe slightly less. I do drive for 100 to 150 miles in one go now and again, but mainly its 5 to 10 mile journeys.

Its the hight of the chair that makes it easier to get in and out I think, the higher the better. My current Nissan Micra is a bit of a tall car and I find it very easy.

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Thu 12 May 2016 16:57
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - HandCart

It's not exactly how the diesels 'perform' - more that if used for short urban trips they are likely to give trouble which costs more to repair than the money you saved on the fuel consumption (plus the inconvenience).

A few models which immediately spring to mind to consider might be:

Kia Soul
Kia Venga / Hyundai iX20
Honda Jazz
Suzuki Splash / Vauxhall Agila B
Ford C-Max
Ford Fusion
Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner
Toyota Verso-S (pricey)

(Not all the models above are still made)

You haven't mentioned whether you prefer/need an automatic gearbox. (?)

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Thu 12 May 2016 17:12
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - joegrundy

You may want to consider a new Dacia Sandero 1.2 Ambience. About £7 k on the road (or £400 more for colour).

Good size 5dr hatch with raised position, wide-opening doors and a good sized boot.

3 year warranty (ext to 5) and breakdown cover, etc.

PCP plan should be within your budget.

My son bought one of these just coming up to a year ago, and I have been impressed with it.

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Thu 12 May 2016 21:47
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - NARU

If you think you'll use the rear seats only rarely, I'd particularly recommend a Honda Jazz or Civic. The 'magic seats' make life much easier - the seat bases lift up, and the wheel chair can slot behind the front seats.

The very square shape of the mk1 Jazz door made entry/exit much easier for my disabled mother-in-law (she had replacement hips and knees). I don't know if the latest Jazz door is still that shape.

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Thu 12 May 2016 22:03
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - daveyK_UK
Nissan Pulsar , Skoda Rapid or Seat Toledo
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Fri 13 May 2016 06:15
Hatchback - A car that ticks all the boxes - madf

www.rica.org.uk/ gives you door heights, opening widths by car...

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