Choosing a car
If you are buying a new car, the following pointers should help you identify useful features on standard vehicles. The less a car is modified, the higher its resale value.
When deciding on the type of car, think about your likely needs in future. Many features that are helpful to disabled motorists, like power steering, are now available on a wider range of models.
Getting in and out
- easy door handles that you just pull on, without buttons or levers
- tall and wide door openings - doors on two-door cars are usually wider
- doors with a wide opening angle
- no sills or low, narrow sills
- conveniently placed handholds
- seat height that best suits you
- electrically operated seats which go up and down, forwards and back
- space around the seat
- plenty of leg and foot room
- no door pockets that get in the way
Locking and ignition
- remote and central locking
- keyless entry system - a card to unlock and start the car
- push button start
- windows that close automatically when the car is locked
Primary controls
- automatic transmission. A must for most disabled drivers - generally easier to drive and cheaper to adapt
- power assisted steering - on some cars the effort needed can be lightened, by the dealership or by specialist converters
- cruise control to maintain a constant speed
Secondary controls
For things like the horn, lights and indicators - try to find a model where these are in the best position for you
- electric windows
- electric and heated door mirrors
- heated windscreen
- wipers which switch on automatically when it rains
- lights which switch on automatically when it gets dark
- easy controls for audio equipment
- parking distance sensor - sounds if you are near an obstacle
- reversing camera
- avoid or adapt ratchet type handbrakes which can be stiff to release if you have weak hands and wrists
Boot or hatch
- tailgate with flat or fold down sill
- rear floor pulls out like a drawer
- rear seat which folds flat by power
- hatch which opens by power
- internal boot/hatch release
- adequate space if you have a wheelchair.
next page: Plan of action