Which vehicle to choose? Partner has Multiple Sclerosis w/ balance issues.

malvinmulch

Hi

While my partner is not yet reliant on a wheelchair (mostly she is able to use a rollator or similar to travel the few metres between the house and the car)

Her balance and core strength is steadily degrading and she has more and more days where she is unable to walk more than a few paces without physical support or a wheelchair.

We are currently looking for new vehicle at the moment, however I'm stumped as to what to buy, as I have chronic pain and other issues and she has mobility aids that need decent luggage space. We currently have an estate which things mostly fit into but it needs renewed.

she currently can just get herself into a rav4 type vehicle (she isn't the tallest), however I am concerned as her mobility and core strength degrades how long this will be possible…..

An estate like an octavia she can lower herself into or be lowered into, however it is harder to get out of, albeit she is mostly managing with some struggles but the need for help is becoming more frequent

a wheelchair adapted vehicle she doesn't yet need and may not need for some years to come (hopefully she can stay ambulatory to some degree for many more years crosses fingers) and the cost of these is beyond our means even on pcp.

Does anyone else have a partner with similar issues who can comment or can someone make any suggestions?

As I've developed a rather severe headache thinking this over and tying myself into mental knots.

help please?

andrewkuk

Hi - The car market can be a minefield for accessible needs and you will find everyone has their own view on the best vehicle. We changed our car late last year and did lots of test drives and research. We have ended up with the MG HS Hybrid + automatic. I have cronic pain, spinal issues and being over 6ft 2inc rules a lot of cars out. The MG is extremely comfortable in my experience and a boot hoist for my scooter is a real benefit.

We are lucky to live near a main MG dealership and had two long test drives. I think we asked so many questions but they were more than happy to answer.

It has the odd things that are not perfect but it's better than our previous Vauxhall Grandland and even the VW Tiguan (which was our all time favourite)

I hope you find the car solution you are looking for. Regards Andrew

CarNineSix

If she needs to transfer and wants to, look around at the seat height in the car.

An estate, SUV or may be a car derived van.

Solve one issue first, what is the most important thing. My partner needed the height of an SUV to help her transfer. Cars were to low and vans were to high.

Just some thoughts.

Rachel_Scope

I can imagine it's difficult trying to find the right car @malvinmulch as there are so many options and things to consider. I think @CarNineSix has a good idea in deciding what the most important thing is first and then working from there.

I have chronic pain and had to buy a new car as I was unable to drive a manual and my old car was too low. I went for a VW Tiguan as it has great boot space, plenty of legroom in the passenger seat, and I didn't have to lower myself in. I struggle to get in my husband's Skoda Fabia as it's too low for me now. Maybe thinking if a lower or higher car would be better for her is a good place to start?