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Super-Smooth Riding New Cars
OverlyAnxious
Member Posts: 1,232 Disability Gamechanger
Has anyone with stomach or motion issues tested out various newish cars and found the smoothest riding ones?
I'm not able to test drive cars myself as the anxiety of going go a dealership and dealing with a salesman makes me too nauseous before even getting near the car. It's a difficult situation!
I bought a nearly new car today. Have spent months researching online to decide what I thought was the ideal model and spec. Looked good on paper, has independent rear suspension and electronic adaptive suspension with a comfort mode. But even in comfort mode I couldn't even get half way to the supermarket this afternoon without feeling really ill.
I don't know how much of that was caused by the anxiety of it being 'different' as I really don't deal with change well. Even if it's a 'good' change like getting a new car... I will try again tomorrow but if the same happens again I'll have to change it for something with a smoother ride. Trouble is, ride is very subjective so I really need advice from someone else with gut problems rather than back problems for example.
Any help will be appreciated.
I'm not able to test drive cars myself as the anxiety of going go a dealership and dealing with a salesman makes me too nauseous before even getting near the car. It's a difficult situation!
I bought a nearly new car today. Have spent months researching online to decide what I thought was the ideal model and spec. Looked good on paper, has independent rear suspension and electronic adaptive suspension with a comfort mode. But even in comfort mode I couldn't even get half way to the supermarket this afternoon without feeling really ill.
I don't know how much of that was caused by the anxiety of it being 'different' as I really don't deal with change well. Even if it's a 'good' change like getting a new car... I will try again tomorrow but if the same happens again I'll have to change it for something with a smoother ride. Trouble is, ride is very subjective so I really need advice from someone else with gut problems rather than back problems for example.
Any help will be appreciated.
Replies
good luck with it 🙂
It also seems that the automatic gearbox was adding to the issue. I don't have much 'oomph' for want of a better word so find driving physically difficult now and am getting muscle aches in my clutch leg after even short drives so thought it was time to move to auto...had no idea it could cause an issue like this but in hindsight, I can't use lifts, escalators or any form of public transport so it does make sense as there's less control than manual, it's a bit like being a passenger in my own car.
So will stick to manuals and more comfort orientated cars. I know no-one will be exactly the same as me but has anyone tried a Focus Active? I've previously had a normal Focus which was ok, but they're changed the suspension setup on the newer ones and made the ride a bit firmer. The Active model might be a better choice though?
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I have previously had a few Ford Focus's in Titanium and Titanium X spec (comfort models) but they were the Mk2 and Mk3. Now we're on Mk4 and annoyingly they've dropped the independent rear suspension on these models and just fit the cheaper rear beam suspension from the Fiesta. The only one that kept the decent rear suspension was the luxury Vignale model...BUT they fit 18" wheels to them so there's less sidewall to soak up the bumps which I'm very cautious of.
My current car is a Golf Match (comfort model) which is just about ok but again that's the old model and VW have also dropped the IRS on the more recent models. So There aren't any modern hatches that are a direct comparison to what I've had before.
I don't really want an MPV type thing, I don't need the extra size or height, but if that's the only way to get a better ride then I may have to do that.
I’ve heard Citroens have decent suspension. They also have their “luxury” make DS.
I do hope you manage to find something. I keep thinking of a possible solution but there’s always a reason it wouldn’t work for your situation. It must be very frustrating for you
Do you know which trim level your daughters Focus is? On 66 plate that's still the old model, I've had a couple of those, albeit in comfort spec. I guess hers is probably an ST-Line with the lowered springs and 18" alloys though? Unless it's a full fat ST3 with 19s? Tyres look like rubber bands on those!
I hadn't really considered 3008s (or anything that size) but there are some just in budget. GT-Line is semi-sport spec though, I'd probably be better off with the Allure myself. They look a bit futuristic inside, how do you get on with everything being via touchscreen? I had several late 90s/early 00's Peugeots back in the day but then they stopped making decent cars for around a decade lol.
@66Mustang it is incredibly frustrating. Tbh I feel far more frustrated by my issues than I ever feel depressed about them. The underlying issues are the same ones that stop me getting out and dealing with any medical people as well. I don't see any way for it to change though, it just goes round in circles with anxiety/agoraphobia/OCD causing nausea and IBS....and the IBS and nausea causing more anxiety. I am really struggling physically this week as my insides just won't settle at all. I just want to get all this car stuff out of the way and get moved into a new place (have found a potential compromise on a house...) in the hope that I can then relax a bit and get physically settled back to a more manageable level.
DS is a 'premium' branch of the Citroen brand, but the smaller cars are still sporty rather than luxury unfortunately. I did try a DS3 a few years ago but the ride was rock solid! The days are gone of the air suspension on the old Citroens. On that subject though...have you seen the 508 Fastback? Looks fantastic...no idea what the ride is like on them though.
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Please just take my word for it and go for the new 2020/2021 Tiguan r line.
I have ordered mine (coming Friday 18th December) and it is really an amazing car heated seats, steering wheel & Parallel parks the car for you if you prefer that and don’t like the pressure.
It’s a suv and it has a rather expensive down payment of £3500 but if you can afford it please just get it, drives so smooth and has that sitting up high feeling.
I have it because I have a hidden disability looking at me you’d think there’s nothing wrong but I am suffering massively from sciatica going down the back of my leg, I’m on a ton of tablets which include 300mg of pregablin twice and day and morphine patches.
After a colossal amount of hassle I have finally got the original car returned and the refund should be on it's way...
yeah I’m a vw man aswell I currently own a 2014 golf GTD it’s a great car but it’s too low down for my back.
The Leon was DSG and I couldn't really get on with it so will be sticking with manual this time despite the aches it causes. The 'box itself was really nice but I just couldn't deal with the lack of control when pulling away and parking etc. I might have been better with an old slush box that creeps on the brake, but with the DSG it wouldn't creep until the throttle was touched first and kind of felt like stepping onto an escalator and being 'pulled' rather than being totally in control which was giving a sort of vertigo effect.
I'm probably going to try a Mk4 Focus Titanium X tbh. I'm not sure why Poppys daughters Mk3.5 is so bad as I had two Mk3s myself a couple of years ago. It may have some optional 18" alloys on it. Anyway, for the first 6 months of the Mk4 production they still fitted independent rear suspension to them so it will have to be slightly older than I was after, I wouldn't risk a newer rear beam version. I put my budget and criteria into a few sites and only came up with 4 cars - Mk3 Leon, Mk4 Focus, Nissan Juke and BMW Active 2 Series. The Focus should be the safest option out of those and I've had plenty of experience with Fords in the past. Heated windscreen is a massive bonus as well. It's not what I want to be completely honest, I had ideas of going back to German shows (when Covid is over) and having a car that was interesting enough to photograph in scenic locations, but if the Focus allows me to start getting out and about reliably over short distances again that will be a good start.
If the Focus isn't suitable, I will have to look into SUVs instead, but they'd have to be over 3 years old and out of warranty for my budget so would rather avoid that if possible.
Just trying to think outside the box a little: did you ever consider the ND (4th generation) MX-5?
There is a 1.5 and a 2L. You’d be looking at the 1.5 as the 2L comes with slightly firmer suspension and bigger wheels. It only has 130 odd HP but that is plenty because it is so light.
Would also fit the reliability criteria, and it it interesting and has a great following so there’d be shows etc. to go to.
Due to the risk and costs involved I'm just going to stick with something as close to my current Golf as possible now. But not a newer Golf, seeing as they're overpriced and under-specced...and only come with solid beam suspension on normal models (1.5 TSI Match). I couldn't even afford the equivalent to my own one on a 19 plate, let alone equivalent to a Titanium X Focus on a 19 plate lol.
In other news, I used Tesco Pay @ Pump service for diesel yesterday for the first time due to the BP app becoming too unreliable. Glad to say it was a success so will continue with that from now on!
I hope you get a suitable car soon.
Is there a reason you aren’t looking at small SUVs? They are often not much more money than the hatchbacks they are often based on.
I’ve heard the Vauxhall Mokka is a decent small SUV to drive, at least compared to other small SUVs. Also, it looks like it is jacked up quite high so should ride smoothly?
I just don't have any need for a car that size. I'd rather have something that's easier to drive through single track lanes and park at the supermarket than something that's unnecessarily large. They also don't always ride smoothly either, you'll often get a lot more bounce and body roll which I can't deal with either. It's a fine balance to get something that just takes out bumps rather than crashing into them or bouncing several times after each one. I did consider the Focus Active earlier in the thread but it's a bigger car with the same engine (so worse power to weight, slower, less MPG), less spec, and I can't stand the horrible unpainted plastic trim around the wheel arches. I probably will have to go for an SUV eventually, but hopefully not this time lol.
Not to be repetitive I would have thought the MX5 fits what you want r.e. suspension etc. as it has soft springs but isn’t heavy so it wouldn’t bounce up and down after every bump. You do get body roll when cornering fast but I’m guessing with your issues you don’t do that anyway
Plus if PistonHeads is anything to go by, which it isn’t, the MX5 is the answer to all questions about cars
In all seriousness though you know your issues better than anyone, good luck finding something, I hope you get something decent soon
Today I've had the chance to look around the car and have found some other issues as well, not what I expected for it being 2 years old/less than 10k miles. The ride seems ok though (at least round my estate, considerably better than the Leon) so I've got to see if I can either get a larger refund or just return this car as well, they may not be able to cover the cost of the faults within their profit margin though, I estimate around £500 worth, plus they'd have to pay for collection and delivery as I can't leave a car anywhere with my issues or take it more than a few miles if they insist on work done at their own dealership.
Anyway, I just want to double check that there's absolutely no way of being eligible for Motability without Enhanced Mobility on PIP? No chance of a 'case by case' basis considering the issues I have?
(PS - I also lost that house...then found an ideal one just half a mile away. Tried to apply immediately but was told I couldn't apply without viewing, and couldn't view until 5 days later. I was really unwell during those but forced myself to the viewing...only to be told that they'd already had lots of applications! I guessed at that point that I wouldn't get it. Still put my application in but as expected, was let to someone else.)
It’s a real pain I agree, I really think they need to review the criteria for mental health as to be honest about it you seem just as affected by your issues as I do by mine, if not more, but just because of a small detail (I can’t go out alone and you can) you don’t qualify. Physically disabled people can get Motability when they can go out alone so why not psychologically disabled.
But I take your point that moving around and planning a journey are two different things
It is what it is I guess
Thanks for the clarification @poppy123456. I thought that would be the answer.
Regarding the different Mobility sections. It is annoying that the mental side specifically relates to planning and following a journey - I can use Google Maps and know my way around locally at least. And that the physical side only relates specifically to walking a short distance. Ironically I'm getting much closer to 1e than I was when I took the assessment (unable to undertake any journey due to OPD) but of course if receive enhanced mobility due to that it would be then too late!
Trouble is, I need to be able to rely on a car 100% in order to get anywhere. So far I have never had this only being able afford older cars (6-20 years old). I also need a car that is totally free from contamination due to the OCD which again I can't get with a used car.
The fact so much has already gone wrong with this one means that I don't trust there to be no faults with the engine etc now and I can't risk breakdowns. I also found a lot of not only dog hair but also dog poo under one of the seats so the car feels very contaminated despite over an hour with anti bac sprays and wipes yesterday.
Tbh I'd prefer a return now I've had the chance to think about it. I won't be any better off in it than my current 8 year old car, which is better condition at 110k miles!
I would consider lease but I don't know what type is the same as Motability? So you put a deposit down and just pay monthly until you return the car a year or two later. The only schemes I can find are ones to fully buy the car with a large payment at the end which I wouldn't have.
Few reasons for changing my car. First is that I never have trusted it, it was already high mileage and previously written off when I bought it. I bought it in a rush after my previous car let me down and I needed something cheap, smooth and quickly. That has had a major impact on my agoraphobia though. There is also still a lot of previous owner contamination in it, and many areas that I can't touch or place any items. Plus it's diesel and having constant DPF regens, roughly one every week which isn't good for the engine, the DPF or the battery because the fans stay on for ages after switching off. I only do town and (slow) backroads now, and only did 3000 miles this year, so need a petrol engine before this one gets completely ruined. It'll actually be cheaper to run than any modern petrol that I could buy ironically, with £30 tax and approx 50mpg. But with the PIP I can afford a bit more on fuel and tax in the hope of better reliability.
The other issue I have is that I don't know how else to use around £10k of backpay before the grace period ends. I don't mean that in an ungrateful way but I really can't face the hassle of having to apply for UC if I lose the ESA & HB due to the savings limit. Without being able to move, I haven't been able to use any on furniture etc either. I really hope I'll have moved by then (April I think it was?) but after the last 6 months searching I'm struggling to remain optimistic now.
Credit check is fine, I have an excellent credit score...but whether they'll accept benefits I don't know. Yes that's what I meant regarding the 12m of Motability, just poorly worded again lol.
Yeah, the SDP rule change has been playing on my mind for weeks now. I was totally gutted to lose the house I found a couple of weeks ago, it was around 90% suitable, only half a mile away, fully refurbished and available immediately, couldn't believe my luck!! To lose it has been a massive blow as I don't think I'll find anything else before the 17th(?) now. My issues have got worse over the last weeks (possibly exacerbated by the anxiety around cars and houses lol) so it's looking like I'd have to remain in the same area now anyway. Assuming I move after the SDP change BUT remain in my local area under the same council, is it still as simple as just switching the HB and CTR on the council website or does that change?
There is a special kind of PCP, called advance purchase or something, where you pay the whole lease up front. For example if it’s £200 a month you just give them £7200 and the car is yours for 3 years, maybe that would be an option if you can’t get credit clearance for a PCP? I know Lotus do it (not very helpful to someone that needs a super smooth car lol) and Ford used to do it on their new cars.
I've been looking at Fords but haven't seen that option. Only Ford acquire (buying the whole car monthly), Ford options (PCP/renting for 3 years) or leasing. Leasing won't work for me as you can only make a small deposit and large monthly payments. Acquire won't work as I can't afford to buy the whole thing. So the only thing left is PCP.
We're now in Tier 4 though, so that means no test driving at all. Though I don't see how I'd be able to test drive anyway. Even getting to the dealer (about 5 miles away) is a huge challenge on it's own now. I tried it yesterday and did manage to get there, had a quick drive around the forecourt but couldn't get out of the car and certainly wouldn't have been able to deal with a person face to face. Feel like this might be too little, too late now.
https://www.ford.co.uk/finance/ford-credit/personal-financing/ford-options-cashplan
Take a look at your fluoxetine thread and seriously consider the replies, IMO there is a chance that taking it will give you a little respite from your issues and provide the break you need to get on.
I have just read the Fluoxetine thread (had to set aside some time to read through that one lol!). I do hope to try it at some point but it won't be until next year now. I realise that's only a few hours away but I mean once this xmas season has passed and things get a more relaxed.
The trouble with taking any med, especially an SSRI, is exactly the same as the issue with cars. The worst symptom I have, and the one that stops me doing the most things, is the nausea. I'm currently feeling like I'm on the cusp of being ill for long periods of each day. I feel like it'll only take a tiny bit of added nausea from an SSRI to make me physically ill and that's a scenario I know I can't cope with. I also couldn't ask anyone round to help me out as that in itself already causes a lot of nausea, even for people standing outside and me on the doorstep. It is a difficult situation (another one!
The position you are in now is not great but it’s predictable enough so easy to say “let’s just stay the way I am” but you have to decide if you want to be that way for the rest of your life or take a risk to make things better. Personally if it was me I would take the risk but I’m aware that’s very easy for me to say as an outsider.
Sorry I’m probably talking drivel and it probably sounds a bit harsh but hopefully it helps even a tiny bit. I wish you the best of luck whether you choose to take the medication or not
Hi all,
Looks like I may need to revisit this due to Covid delays so are there any further ideas?
I ordered a brand new 'crossover' vehicle on finance at the beginning of Jan but it now looks like it's not going to be ready in time. This is a massive blow as it looks like I may not find another finance deal the same, and may have to buy used again which I was really hoping to avoid. On top of that, my stomach problems have worsened again, to the point where I'm having to avoid speed bumps and rough roads even within a 30mph town setting, let alone any further out.
What do you mean by it’s not going to be ready in time? Can you just wait longer or it the case that you lose the deal if it’s not delivered by a certain date?
Regarding the deal, they've already suggested that one positive is I could still get it at the old price...seeing as their delay pushed it into the new plate period meaning I should really pay more for it now!
I'm still over the £16k threshold currently which is why I'd lose ESA/SDP/HB when I reach the end of the grace period if I can't spend at least some of it by then. I'd just be left with PIP at ~£90 a week. Yes, I'd have the savings to live off, but would have absolutely no chance at moving without an income, and would have to forget about changing cars. I'd then have to apply for UC when my savings dropped low enough which seems like further hassle.
This is mainly caused by the prejudices and resentment of landlords and lettings agents. I should have been in a more suitable place with safe & reliable fixtures and appliances having spent a chunk of backpay on furniture by now.