Nissan Lucino as it is too low for me to get in and out comfortably due to a total hip replacement and other issues.I would like a Hatchback, something with higher seating.I have a price range of $10,000 to $12,000.So can anyone recommend a trustworthy Car Sales in Tauranga/ Mt Maunganui as I moved to the Mount near the end of last year and am still finding my way around. Thanks
intrade,
Feb 8, 9:58pm
i would look at new cars small hatch suzuki or kia picanto is what i have found are the only cheap new car that dont use to much petrol
kazbanz,
Feb 8, 10:01pm
ALOT of the modern liftbacks have much higher seats than your little lucino. IMOthe best bang for buck currently is the 1500cc mazda demio cozy.-2003-05They have a seat height adjuster that pumps up from slightly higher than the lucino to really high. I must say that by a country mile the EASIEST car to get in and out ofis the Toyota funcargo but its looks may not apeal
Off the top of my head heres a bit of a list -with higher seats. Suzuki swift 02-04 Chevvy/holden cruize--actually it IS a swift with another badge Toyota BB Nissan Cube, Toyota ructus Toyota Raum nissan march/micra are just a few off the top of my head
Now one vehicle desighned specifically for a person with mobility issues has JUST become available in NZ. Its called a Toyota Porte. The reason its ideal is that the left side door is HUGE and slides right back to allow VERY easy access to the drivers seat from the left. It of course has higher seats and roofline.
carstauranga001,
Feb 8, 10:22pm
How about a Mazda Demio. Sold one to my mother 6 years ago and she loves it. I specialise in your price range and would love to trade your Lucino too.
yddac,
Feb 8, 10:32pm
intrade and kazbanz I will look up your suggestions thanks for your helpful posts. The Nissan March & Micra looks a bit too small though I'm sure wouldeconomical.I loved my Nissan as it just goes and goes and would love another Nissan but am open to other suggestions.I have been looking on Tauranga/ Mt Maunganui car sales website but after a while it all gets very confusing to a pensioner lol.
budgel,
Feb 8, 10:35pm
I know a couple of older people that have FWD Toyota rav 4, the main reason is the ease of access and visibility.
yddac,
Feb 8, 10:44pm
Thanks budgel I was just going to ask carstauranga001 about the visibility of the Mazda Demio. They look nice online and even have cup holders lol. I read a survey the other day re car choices which were top of the list for Woman and Men. For woman it was 'colour & cup holders'.For men it was 'grunt & wheel trims'.
carstauranga001,
Feb 8, 11:11pm
yddac the Demio has highish seats, not as high as a Rav but some oldies find Rav too high. Access and visability are great. They are quite square so you can see the corners better than a rounded off car. You are welcome to call in and try one, no obligation. Check my listing out.
kazbanz,
Feb 9, 12:23am
yddac--I sell a lot of those lil cars and the two comments I've had have been the peppy engine and the great all round visibility
yddac,
Feb 9, 8:15am
'carstauranga001', I have just shown my daughter the Demio and she reckons it looks like what I need as a client of hers has one and is happy with it so may have to add it to my list and check it out. Is the Suzuki and Kia Picantoa that was recommended by 'intrade' a similar size to the Demio as to me they look smaller. I also need something that is able to occasionally zip me back up the windy coast road to Coromandel with comfort and ease and is not a struggle over the hills on the car.
msigg,
Feb 9, 8:36am
Whats wrong with the corrolla, that won,t let you down. The newer ones are very economical and the seating is nice and high. Could be a bit dearer though.
carstauranga001,
Feb 9, 8:46am
I recomend you try some cars to see what you like. None of the cars above are bad but different cars suit different people, quite often for a "silly" reason. Maybe one seat sits you and another doesn't for example. We are all built differently arn't we.
yddac,
Feb 10, 2:27pm
msigg I looked up the Corrolla which is very nice but as you say they a bit dearer than my price bracket but thanks for your post.
stevo2,
Feb 10, 6:08pm
You are asking for a trustworthy car sales, I recommend "Bryce Campbell Car Sales" on the corner at Greerton. Go and have a chat with himm, if he hasnt got it, Im sure he can get it in for you. A Demio would suit you well but try to go for the 1500cc, not the 1300cc if travelling on the open road. Cheers Stevo
yddac,
Feb 10, 10:16pm
Thanks stevo2for your input.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 10, 10:39pm
There is one car that would suit you that stands head and shoulders above the rest. You will likely have to travel to get one but its well worth the trouble.
Its called a Golf Plus and is a VW Golf but with the higher seating position you want. The difference in quality, value for money and technology is monumental between that and the likes of the Demio etc.
In short the Golf has a direct injection engine which gives you lots of power with fantastic economy. Thats coupled with a 6 speed transmission (as opposed to 4 in most other options) and even better this 6 speed does not have the torque converter that old fashioned auto's have. What that means is you are not losing 30% of your economy to the torque converter when you are pottering around town.
Then you have 6 - 12 airbags (depending on spec) and a whole lot of other clever fuel saving and comfort equpement.
The VW has had a monumental amount of money spent on its development (many times that of opposition cars) and is a good 8 years ahead of the other cars because of it.
The interesting thing is despite the cutting edge technology reliability is still excellent and any good general garage can do the servicing.
You can pick up a Golf plus in your 10-12K price range but you will need to be a bit patient and ready to go with the cash when one comes up. However its going to be well worth the effort.
Just be aware that car dealers in this country rely almost exclusively on peddling used Japanese imports. For this reason expect some unqualified scoffing at the Golf, they will often try and argue things that are not easily measured (because the Golf is better in every way that can be quantified) so expect silly wives tails about reliability etc.
thejazzpianoma,
Feb 10, 10:39pm
There is one car that would suit you that stands head and shoulders above the rest. You will likely have to travel to get one but its well worth the trouble.
Its called a Golf Plus and is a VW Golf but with the higher seating position you want. The difference in quality, value for money and technology is monumental between that and the likes of the Demio etc.
In short the Golf has a direct injection engine which gives you lots of power with fantastic economy. Thats coupled with a 6 speed transmission (as opposed to 4 in most other options) and even better this 6 speed does not have the torque converter that old fashioned auto's have. What that means is you are not losing 30% of your economy to the torque converter when you are pottering around town.
Then you have 6 - 12 airbags (depending on spec) and a whole lot of other clever fuel saving and comfort equpement.
The VW has had a monumental amount of money spent on its development (many times that of opposition cars) and is a good 8 years ahead of the other cars because of it. (Its still much better and more advanced than what many brand new cars from other manufacturers are).
The interesting thing is despite the cutting edge technology reliability is still excellent and any good general garage can do the servicing.
You can pick up a Golf plus in your 10-12K price range but you will need to be a bit patient and ready to go with the cash when one comes up. However its going to be well worth the effort.
Just be aware that car dealers in this country rely almost exclusively on peddling used Japanese imports. For this reason expect some unqualified scoffing at the Golf, they will often try and argue things that are not easily measured (because the Golf is better in every way that can be quantified) so expect silly wives tails about reliability etc.
carstauranga001,
Feb 10, 11:24pm
Were you in Germany and a Dr injected VW blood into you viens! Hello, there are other brands of car in the market and people actually buy them too!
kazbanz,
Feb 10, 11:38pm
yddac--Id say--take the advice given. The yard concerned has no "racial bias" -ie he sells euro,jap even the occasional american car.
ringo2,
Feb 11, 1:47am
I see that it has only averaged 4k per year. Probably spent most of it's life in having repairs and waiting for parts and waiting for the owner to save enough money to pay the bills on it.
yddac,
Feb 11, 1:50am
carstauranga001 & kazbanz thanks I appreciate your frankness and adice. A friendhas suggested a Nissan Tiida as I have always had Nissans.Any thoughts on that vehicle! I have been making a list to check out with my daughter who is like me fussy, pedantic but realistic. lol
kazbanz,
Feb 11, 1:56am
Not my favorite but still a nice car to drive.
carstauranga001,
Feb 11, 4:00am
Tiidas are good reliable cars. I've sold several and have three more on the way. I still think a lot is personal though and untill you sit in and drive some you won't know if they suit you personally.
gammelvind,
Feb 11, 4:05am
We have the same hip problems that you do and have found that a Toyota Nadia serves our purpose very well. High seating, hatch, huge rear legroom overall a great car.
owene,
Feb 11, 6:46am
Why not put bigger wheels on it and get the suspension raised! At a guess, those two actions would give you at least 6" of extra height.
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