Y U No?

[PhuturePriest]

Ford or anything Japanese is always good. Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, etc. If, however, you are looking into trucks, go with a Ford. I live in farm-ish country so everyone generally drives trucks. And not the lame wussy trucks you city people drive, but real one ton to one and a quarter ton trucks that we use to pull heavy trailers and pull out city people with chains that got their little bumper cars stuck in the mud.

[brianthephysicist]

Dunno. But they took the money.  First place I'd look is Hyundai, then Ford.

 

Ah true.  Hyundai Sonata was good, made it to the final four.  Ford Taurus fit but it looks like a boat.

 

Idk, the Sonata was good, but the bench seat puts the Impala into a vehicle class that really doesn't exist anymore, a sedan that can fit 6.  Who else even offers that?

[AnneLine]

Hey, Brian,

 

I get what you are saying about what you are looking for in a car, and it sounds really sensible. 

 

I will toss this into the mix however:  You wrote:

 

... I mostly prefer bare bones, so things like heated seats are silly to me, but things like fog lights are something I find genuinely useful. Also, leather seats are annoying from the heat in the summer and from the cold during the winter so I refuse to buy a car with it. I don't want to get in a car I hate day after day. Maybe I'm weird, but that's the kind of stuff I think of.

 

Two things for you and MissyP to think about as you select cars for the long haul... heated car seats might make a big difference for someone with mobility issues -- have a number of friends who use assistive devices, and they say the heated seats make a HUGE difference in maintaining flexibilty after long drives.  Something for you to consider.  Same comment with getting in and out of a car -- leather seats can be easier to slide along for some people.  I know my Mother-in-law insists on the leather for that reason... .she gets stuck & it really hurts her hips and back if she has cloth seats.

 

Also, if you want to give me model years, I can ask my husband (who works in the rental carfield and has seen ALL the cars and heard ALL the complaints and seen ALL the maintenance stuff... some model years are just plain bad cars... so if you want him to give you feedback on your older cars, just let me know what you're thinking about.... if he knows, I'll let you know....

 

But GOOD JOB on finding some you can select between!!!!

 

 

[Papist]

Ah true.  Hyundai Sonata was good, made it to the final four.  Ford Taurus fit but it looks like a boat.

 

Idk, the Sonata was good, but the bench seat puts the Impala into a vehicle class that really doesn't exist anymore, a sedan that can fit 6.  Who else even offers that?

 

 

I think the Impala is ugly. I like the Taurus, Camry, Avalon and Hyundai Azera & Sonata. If you really want to seat 6 comfortably, you'll need a 3rd row seat.

 

May I suggest:

 

 

 

Edited January 23, 2013 by Papist

[brianthephysicist]

Hey, Brian,

 

I get what you are saying about what you are looking for in a car, and it sounds really sensible. 

 

I will toss this into the mix however:  You wrote:

 

... I mostly prefer bare bones, so things like heated seats are silly to me, but things like fog lights are something I find genuinely useful. Also, leather seats are annoying from the heat in the summer and from the cold during the winter so I refuse to buy a car with it. I don't want to get in a car I hate day after day. Maybe I'm weird, but that's the kind of stuff I think of.

 

Two things for you and MissyP to think about as you select cars for the long haul... heated car seats might make a big difference for someone with mobility issues -- have a number of friends who use assistive devices, and they say the heated seats make a HUGE difference in maintaining flexibilty after long drives.  Something for you to consider.  Same comment with getting in and out of a car -- leather seats can be easier to slide along for some people.  I know my Mother-in-law insists on the leather for that reason... .she gets stuck & it really hurts her hips and back if she has cloth seats.

 

Also, if you want to give me model years, I can ask my husband (who works in the rental carfield and has seen ALL the cars and heard ALL the complaints and seen ALL the maintenance stuff... some model years are just plain bad cars... so if you want him to give you feedback on your older cars, just let me know what you're thinking about.... if he knows, I'll let you know....

 

But GOOD JOB on finding some you can select between!!!!

 

That's some good stuff to consider.  In my pickup truck, the main issue has always been the height, actually getting her high enough that she can get into the vehicle.  Once she's on the seat she has to wiggle a lot to get into proper position, but I never thought of that as a problem.  Sure it took a few more seconds for her than it would have for me, but I always figured that was simply part of the package deal of her + truck.  She has a significantly easier time with getting into cars, so I figured that a car would make the whole thing easy for her.  I'll have to ask her if she knows whether leather is a pro or con to getting into the car.  If she doesn't, then we'll just have to go to another dealer and try it out.  If leather is going to be better for her, then I'll bite the bullet on it.  Basically, even though I might not like it, I would suffer through it happily for her.

 

I can also ask about the heated seats.  That's something I've never heard before but it makes sense now that you've mentioned it.

 

 

I think the Impala is ugly. I like the Taurus, Camry, Avalon and Hyundai Azera & Sonata. If you really want to seat 6 comfortably, you'll need a 3rd row seat.

 

May I suggest:

 

 

I agree that the Impala's looks don't really wow a person, but I never thought of it as ugly.  The Taurus however, I find repulsive.  The Camry has the tightest fit for the walker that you could imagine.  Technically it can fit in the trunk, but it's more of a fight than I'd ever want to do on a regular basis.  The Sonata was good.  It fit decently (but still not as easily as the Impala) and the test drive went very well.  It cost a little less than the Impala and even allowed me the option for fog lights, but I had looked at that price difference as paying for the additional seat and an easier time with getting the walker into the vehicle.

 

Do you know of any low vehicles that have a third row? I specifically didn't look at vans or suv's because they are always high like getting into my pickup, which defeats the purpose of me looking for a car in the first place.  If at some point in the future, we have so many kids that we need a van, then we will buy one, with the understanding that she will have to return to climbing into the seat (where she can fall into the seat of a car).  We're not even married yet and I have no idea how many children God is going to bless us with.  I don't know if it's going to be 0 or 12 or any other random number He comes up with.  Basically I view the extra front seat as a way of delaying the need for a higher seat by 1 child.  I have no clue if we'll even get to three children much less four, but I want to make that option available without the need for a van.  If you know of any other low vehicles that have a the front bench seat or a third row, then let me know; I'm very interested.

[Papist]

That's some good stuff to consider.  In my pickup truck, the main issue has always been the height, actually getting her high enough that she can get into the vehicle.  Once she's on the seat she has to wiggle a lot to get into proper position, but I never thought of that as a problem.  Sure it took a few more seconds for her than it would have for me, but I always figured that was simply part of the package deal of her + truck.  She has a significantly easier time with getting into cars, so I figured that a car would make the whole thing easy for her.  I'll have to ask her if she knows whether leather is a pro or con to getting into the car.  If she doesn't, then we'll just have to go to another dealer and try it out.  If leather is going to be better for her, then I'll bite the bullet on it.  Basically, even though I might not like it, I would suffer through it happily for her.

 

I can also ask about the heated seats.  That's something I've never heard before but it makes sense now that you've mentioned it.

 

 

 

I agree that the Impala's looks don't really wow a person, but I never thought of it as ugly.  The Taurus however, I find repulsive.  The Camry has the tightest fit for the walker that you could imagine.  Technically it can fit in the trunk, but it's more of a fight than I'd ever want to do on a regular basis.  The Sonata was good.  It fit decently (but still not as easily as the Impala) and the test drive went very well.  It cost a little less than the Impala and even allowed me the option for fog lights, but I had looked at that price difference as paying for the additional seat and an easier time with getting the walker into the vehicle.

 

Do you know of any low vehicles that have a third row? I specifically didn't look at vans or suv's because they are always high like getting into my pickup, which defeats the purpose of me looking for a car in the first place.  If at some point in the future, we have so many kids that we need a van, then we will buy one, with the understanding that she will have to return to climbing into the seat (where she can fall into the seat of a car).  We're not even married yet and I have no idea how many children God is going to bless us with.  I don't know if it's going to be 0 or 12 or any other random number He comes up with.  Basically I view the extra front seat as a way of delaying the need for a higher seat by 1 child.  I have no clue if we'll even get to three children much less four, but I want to make that option available without the need for a van.  If you know of any other low vehicles that have a the front bench seat or a third row, then let me know; I'm very interested.

 

Good point. However, many do offer a sidestep(running board) add-on.

 

 

The Nissan Cube sits low to the ground.

 

Edited January 23, 2013 by Papist

[brianthephysicist]

Good point. However, many do offer a sidestep(running board) add-on.

 

 

The Nissan Cube sits low to the ground.

 

 

My parent's van has running boards so I've been able to see Melissa get in a vehicle using those.  It took about 3/4 of the time it takes to get into the truck, but a car takes 1/4 the time.  While I agree that it is an improvement, I'd like to go the whole way.

 

Forgive me if I'm being silly here, but I thought the cube only had seating for 5?

[MissyP89]

That's some good stuff to consider.  In my pickup truck, the main issue has always been the height, actually getting her high enough that she can get into the vehicle.  Once she's on the seat she has to wiggle a lot to get into proper position, but I never thought of that as a problem.  Sure it took a few more seconds for her than it would have for me, but I always figured that was simply part of the package deal of her + truck.

 

 

This is my perspective, too. I've never seen getting into the truck as a hindrance at all ... look at me and Dad, for example. He's *always* had a truck, and I've been adjusted to it from my first steps. The only time I see that being an issue is well down the road (10 or 15 years from now). So even if you went with another truck it wouldn't be a problem. But you're looking at efficiency now. Moving on...

 

 

She has a significantly easier time with getting into cars, so I figured that a car would make the whole thing easy for her.  I'll have to ask her if she knows whether leather is a pro or con to getting into the car.

 

 

If there is a difference, it's so slight that it's entirely imperceptible to me. So basically it doesn't matter. Besides, I find no inconvenience in needing to wiggle a bit.  

 

 

If leather is going to be better for her, then I'll bite the bullet on it.  Basically, even though I might not like it, I would suffer through it happily for her.

 

 

 

You are a gentleman and a scholar. :kiss: But I reeeeeeally don't think it'll matter enough to justify the expense in the long run.

 

 

I can also ask about the heated seats.  That's something I've never heard before but it makes sense now that you've mentioned it.

 

 

Now this is interesting. I've honestly never been in a vehicle with heated seats in my entire life. I would be reluctant to try it in fear that I would get addicted and spoiled and even more cold-sensitive in vehicles without it. :lol:

 

As of right now, the concern isn't really with my whole body, just my feet. I think the solution to that isn't with the seat choice, but rather figuring out what heat settings will work best to thaw me out, hahaha. Heated seats would be sooooo nice, but again, the issue isn't with my core right now. We can talk about this more if you'd like, though. 

 

Even if this is a long-term vehicle, I don't think it warrants the bells and whistles at this point in life.

 

TL;DR: For the foreseeable future, I'll be able to adapt to anything.

 

Thanks for being so inclusive with me about this whole thing. It's so sweet! :love:

Edited January 23, 2013 by MissyP89

[AnneLine]

aaaaaawwww....

 

Missy, Heated seats would give you something to give up for Lent!   :)

 

I only mentioned it because one of my friends with back problems has REALLY found it makes a difference.   She discovered it by accident in a rental car, and was so astonished at what a difference it made on long drives.  Might be worth tracking down a friend with some and/or asking to take a drive with a testdrive vehicle and giving it a try.   Alternatively, some of those heating strips (ThermaCare or comparable brand) can do the same thing... but those are the equivalent of buying a $2 cup of coffee for your back every time you put one on.  When my back is acting up, I figure buying a friend (my back) a cup of coffee now and then is a good investment...)

 

If you want to try the heating strips (and you can use them in cars, and out of them if the cold and/or stiffness is an issue, btw...)

don't get the BACK ones, get the SHOULDER ones because you can just put them on the small of your back (the lower curve just around your waist) and they fit perfectly.  The back ones are huge and move around....   let me know if you have questions.  Here's a picture of the right box:

[AnneLine]

Just checked in with my husband, and he votes Impala as well -- he says best for storage, access, all of it.  :) 

 

This from a guy who helps make hundreds of people a week happy with their vehicles, many with various disabilities, and does it at one of the biggest airports in the world....   And he has seen ALL the vehicles and worked with ALL their features, for over 25 years.

 

So yup, Brian, I think you are moving in the right direction...

[MissyP89]

I don't need heat, Annie. I don't have pain. :) Thanks, though.

[AnneLine]

I get that.   But I use them to keep me from getting stiff on long, cold drives.     You might want to try at some point.   :)

 

 

Sorry... I did an :offtopic:

 

 

Anyway... back to the car stuff... ???

Edited January 23, 2013 by AnneLine

[Papist]

My parent's van has running boards so I've been able to see Melissa get in a vehicle using those.  It took about 3/4 of the time it takes to get into the truck, but a car takes 1/4 the time.  While I agree that it is an improvement, I'd like to go the whole way.

 

Forgive me if I'm being silly here, but I thought the cube only had seating for 5?

 

Sedans that say they seat 6, don't say will seat 6 comfortably.  I love the minivan.

[brianthephysicist]

Sedans that say they seat 6, don't say will seat 6 comfortably.  I love the minivan.

 

I know it won't seat 6 comfortably.  It doesn't have to seat them comfortably, it just has to do it legally :P

 

When we got to America, my dad borrowed my grandpop's pickup truck (which ironically originally belonged to my dad) and the four of us rode in the front bench seat.  Admittedly, my brother and I were reasonably small at the time and it was still tight, but we made it work.  My first truck was an '84 El Camino with a bench seat. I've fit myself and three people with my frame in the front seat.  It's not the most comfortable, but it works.  Same thing for my current pickup.  I realize that a sedan is not as wide, so I won't be able to squeeze 4 people anymore, but we can squeeze 3 people in easily.  And even if it is a bit tight, that's not the end of the world.  Plus, if we make it to child #4, then I'll be looking at minivans simply in the realm of wanting to carry one of our kids' friends with us somewhere.

 

And yes, the minivan is absolutely wonderful for anything more than 4 people, but I prefer function over comfort (which is why earlier I said I'd be willing to go for leather seats if it turned out Missy needed them).  For right now and for the next few years, I see more function in the 6 person sedan.

[MissyP89]

Plus, if we make it to child #4, then I'll be looking at minivans simply in the realm of wanting to carry one of our kids' friends with us somewhere.

 

:|

 

:| :| :|

 

Nevermind.