Reliable cheapy for older driver?

qwiksix · 29-05-2009, 12:57 PM

OK, this might be mission impossible, but...

A relative that is a senior citizen (heading towards 80) is looking around for a car.

Quick list:
- Doesn't want to spend much money. 5K might be pushing it.
- Reliable/low maintenance.
- Small car. Definitely not Falcon or mondeo sized.
- Preferably something pretty easy to get in and out of - a little higher off the ground? He has arthritis and doesn't bend so well at the joints nowadays...

He's a safe driver that potters around on short trips to the shops etc and back.

I haven't got a clue about the small car market, and thought I would ask for some help here on what year/makes/models it would be worthwhile having a look at.

What would you recommend to one of those old guys that everyone always complains about to keep you and him safe & happy?
(OK, I'm being a bit of a smartar$e) ;)

TIA
qs

mikestp · 29-05-2009, 01:06 PM

How about an early 90's subaru liberty?

Sam_Boss260 · 29-05-2009, 02:13 PM

My dad is late 70's, and we got him into a little Laser. I think it is like a 2000 model, auto with air. And it is a wagon, so it is really easy for him to get things in and out of the back.

He loves it and it is cheap to run too.

outside · 29-05-2009, 02:44 PM

what ever it is make sure that its an auto, that way he cannt burn the clutch out in it
nothing worse then a poor older guy riding a clutch

vanman_75 · 29-05-2009, 03:12 PM

vitara ,the olds have a sorrento no bending no climbing and relatively small they luv it first suv they have ever owned and wont go back,so i would go an auto vitara

Sam_Boss260 · 29-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outside

what ever it is make sure that its an auto, that way he cannt burn the clutch out in it
nothing worse then a poor older guy riding a clutch

try riding the brake !!! When my dad takes off I cringe..... one foot on brake pedal and one on the gas..... then he eventually lifts off the brake pedal entirely.

Tuddy200 · 29-05-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

try riding the brake !!! When my dad takes off I cringe..... one foot on brake pedal and one on the gas..... then he eventually lifts off the brake pedal entirely.

Hoon! Should tell him to be careful, the police may come looking for him.

(Hopefully he doesn't drive your XR8?

: )

Yellow_Festiva · 29-05-2009, 04:08 PM

Suzuki Ignis would be a good buy.. but under 5 Grand will be pushing it.

If you can find a low km and well loved Festiva look into them. They are near bullit proof, and their mechanicals are nothing fancy.

qwiksix · 30-05-2009, 11:20 AM

Thanks for the ideas guys. Will check all those out.
Oh, and it will definitely be an auto!

I'm pleased no-one mentioned a Camry, given their reputation and street cred with the elderly ;)

qs

**Linz** · 30-05-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

try riding the brake !!! When my dad takes off I cringe..... one foot on brake pedal and one on the gas..... then he eventually lifts off the brake pedal entirely.

He's not an ex taxi driver is he? All the old taxi drivers used to drive like that years ago up here...especially when most cabs changed to auto boxes, they had to have somewhere to rest their left foot :eclipsee_

snappy · 30-05-2009, 11:01 PM

toyota corolla or camry then he join the the other elderly people that cant afford a volvo .
I got stuck behind an old duck on the great ocean road doing 30kmph in a corolla for around 10-15kms :jab: an she was still braking for corners and imaginary ones . I was almost in tears an I was in a 89 courier with a 1 tonne trailer on the back so i had no hope of overtaking safely.
Any way just need a excuse to get that off my chest and this thread seemed like a good place to drop it . sorry

saber · 31-05-2009, 12:22 PM

What about a Mazda 323 from the mid 90's? Should be able to find one for under 5g, and perfectly reliable.

Zedjay · 31-05-2009, 03:02 PM

mid 90s Volvo 850 we got my mum one and only paid $2500
dad has an NL that he has had since new and likes the sweedish valiant better

jaydee · 31-05-2009, 03:45 PM

Honestly, at 80 should he be driving? He may be a good driver pottering down to the shops, when suddenly a kid on a pushbike/skateboard emerges from a drive way.
How many times do we see old folk on the news for hitting the accelerator and not the brake.
If it was my relly, I would be insisting on a driving test first and a medical clearance from my Dr. Remember little Sophie Delizio.

**TUF_302** · 31-05-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwiksix

Thanks for the ideas guys. Will check all those out.
Oh, and it will definitely be an auto!

I'm pleased no-one mentioned a Camry, given their reputation and street cred with the elderly ;)

qs

Camry's are for people who have given up on life!

and just casue he is old dosn't mean he cant drive, we have a neighbour who is 80 and drives like he is only in his 60s!, he is very fit for his age indeed, i only thought he was about 65-70, i almost fell over when he said he will be 81 this year!

Spudz27 · 31-05-2009, 04:41 PM

My partners nanna has a festiva. Is a good little car it is also auto. At above poster bit of a generalisation there. My mrs nanna is o.k and she is 76, using what happened to that girl to generalise old drivers isn't really fair is it?

It is like us being labelled as hoons because of a few idiots.

BFZ Wagon · 31-05-2009, 06:33 PM

Here are my suggestions for cars to look out for. I have researched, been in or driven most of these cars in the past and found them to be alright vehicles. Plus many of them are under the $5000 limit too. So in no particular order, I would suggest.

Mid to late 90's Festiva with power steer.
90-96 KF-KJ Laser (plenty of auto KF/FH laser's out there with pwr steer etc.)
91-95 N14 Nissan Pulsar (many around with auto, air and steer)
Early to mid 90's Toyota Corolla/Holden Nova
Early 90's Mazda 121 (bubble)
Early 90's Mazda 323
95-98 Toyota Starlet (some had pwr steer)
92-98 Daihatsu Charade (some had pwr steer)
Early 90's Vitara
94-2000 X3 Hyundai Excel (with pwr steer)
Late 90's Kia Sportage
Early to mid 90's Suzuki Swift Cino
93 onwards Subaru Impreza
Early to mid 90's Liberty (might be a bit big)

I consider cars like the Camry a bit big and wasn't going to suggest a Magna as it's too big and I'd get laughed at. :P

Generalisations about older drivers isn't good to get into as ya can't paint all people with the same brush. Otherwise it would be a fact that all young people are hoons which isn't the case is it? That's all I will say about that topic.

Hope some of these suggestions come in handy for you quiksix.

That's it from me.