Hi folks 

 

Eldest is thinking about learning to drive, and is properly titchy. Also has some mobility issues, which those online articles that say 'hey, sports cars are great for shorter drivers!' don't consider. Hauling up and out of something low-seated isn't our solution, sadly. 

The obvious answer is a Fabia - it's what we drive, it has adjustable seat and steering, and gave them a go round a car park a few months back just to see if it would adjust sufficiently, and it does. 

But to gives ourselves (and them) a bit more choice, it would be useful to hear what other vehicles might work. 

And cos we're talking about an 18yr old, and OMG levels of insurance, let's assume our budget will allow for only older, modest makes and models. 

 

All experience of what works (and what doesn't!) gratefully received 🙏

A couple of suggestions for you based on family experience... 

Suzuki Swift

Ford Fiesta

Honda Jazz

MINI or Fiat 500 if not a Skoda Citigo.Up!Mii.

On 10/07/2024 at 22:46, skomaz said:

A couple of suggestions for you based on family experience... 

Suzuki Swift

Ford Fiesta

Honda Jazz

Ah now I wondered about a fiesta, but haven’t been in one for a long time and got the impression from friends that their no frills model didn’t have much adjustability. But assuming that’s about tracking down the right model.

 

The Suzuki looks interesting, I know nothing about Japanese cars from a DIY point of view, so will have a read around. 

Edited 10 August, 20241 yr by MijIsTired
Corrected typos

The Citigo isn’t on my radar at all, will look it up! 

The others even less so. I clearly haven’t noticed any new cars since about 2010 😆 AutoExpress has a Citigo vs Up! Vs Mii showdown article. 
 

So it looks like VAG may well be dominating the adjustability for the leg-length challenged market. 
 

 

1 hour ago, Ootohere said:

MINI or Fiat 500 if not a Skoda Citigo.Up!Mii.

 

2006 onwards Fabia/ Polo or Ibiza.

Estates are very practical IMO. I've only experience with 1.9TDi and 1.6TDi  ones but both were totally reliable in my ownership. 

SE trim is a good trim level which is known as a MkII Fabia 3 on early MkII Fabias which confuses some people. 

Look out for cheap limited/ special edition ones. Could be a bargain depending on condition, milage and history but there's some that have been ragged. 

Edited 11 July, 20241 yr by @Lee

@MijIsTired Well, FWIW, one friend of mine (4'11") had a Skoda CitiGo, which was replaced with a Fabia 4.

Lots of cars seat height is not that low by the time a seat is right forward for a shorter leg person to use the pedals.

Plenty cars suit shorter people, even Corsa,s / Peugeot 208.   A Micra.       Driving Instructor type cars. 

 

A Suzuki Ignis is worth checking out.   

A Suzuki Jimny is fine for many but the higher entry and exit is not going to suit all. 

8 hours ago, @Lee said:

2006 onwards Fabia/ Polo or Ibiza.

Estates are very practical IMO. I've only experience with 1.9TDi and 1.6TDi  ones but both were totally reliable in my ownership. 

SE trim is a good trim level which is known as a MkII Fabia 3 on early MkII Fabias which confuses some people. 

Look out for cheap limited/ special edition ones. Could be a bargain depending on condition, milage and history but there's some that have been ragged. 

Thank you. We have a Fabia Mkll combi and yes it’s extremely useful, but we have no driveway and it’s an extremely snug parking situation on the road, so for a first car and adding to the vehicular mayhem outside, I’m thinking of a compact profile, if not actually mini-mini.
 

As I only really think about what’s under the bonnet, in terms of reliability, economy/emissions, ease of fixing, and engineering quality, it’s useful to hear about trim etc that may make something a bargain, thank you.

1 hour ago, Ootohere said:

Lots of cars seat height is not that low by the time a seat is right forward for a shorter leg person to use the pedals.

Plenty cars suit shorter people, even Corsa,s / Peugeot 208.   A Micra.       Driving Instructor type cars. 

 

A Suzuki Ignis is worth checking out.   

A Suzuki Jimny is fine for many but the higher entry and exit is not going to suit all. 

 

Good shout on the Ignis...   Same platform as the swift and I'd forgotten about them...

1 hour ago, Ootohere said:

Lots of cars seat height is not that low by the time a seat is right forward for a shorter leg person to use the pedals.

Plenty cars suit shorter people, even Corsa,s / Peugeot 208.   A Micra.       Driving Instructor type cars. 

 

A Suzuki Ignis is worth checking out.   

A Suzuki Jimny is fine for many but the higher entry and exit is not going to suit all. 

As an above average height person who still finds that some car cockpit layouts don’t provide good sight lines or reach (I drive a range of hire cars & vans regularly, if not frequently), I’m hoping you’re right, but it’s hard to imagine a much smaller person’s perspective, particularly when body proportions are also in play!
 

Eldest has relatively long legs, for their height, so eg gearstick position may be marginally more important to get right than pedal to seat adjustment. Plus they’ve been indoctrinated by my borderline Jim Clark sitting position.

 

I really like ‘driving instructor type cars’ as a reference point, cos of course they’d need highly adjustable positioning, thank you for that! 

2 hours ago, Ootohere said:

A Suzuki Ignis is worth checking out. 

Suzukis getting more mentions here than I’d have anticipated. I’d better gen up 😊 

citigo/mii/up! are all ideal learner cars in my opinion. 

easy to drive, easy to park, cheap running costs, plenty adjustability in the seats and, if that way inclined nippy without being able to get yourself into too much trouble.

 

my mother is 5ft tall on a good day and drives with a small cushion on the seat. currently in an insignia (im trying to convince her get rid before it explodes) previous car was an auris. she doesnt have too difficultly. 

mother in law has a mazda 2, also quite a short lady and its fine