The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Introduction
Choosing a car can be a complicated decision. Manufacturers’ brochures
and test reports in magazines will help you weigh up and compare such
things as performance, running costs and reliability. However if you have
a disability or are just getting older there are additional things you
may need to consider. This booklet should help.
It tells you what to look for and describes some of the helpful features
found on newer cars. See Useful built-in
features for the features available on each make. The guide also gives
some tips on techniques to get in and out and describes some of the simpler
equipment that can make this, and driving the car, easier. There is a
section on financing a car if you have a disability and details of where
to go for simpler adaptations, information and help.
Also see Ricability’s other mobility guides on Car controls, Getting a wheelchair into a car and People lifters.
Acknowledgements
Ricability gratefully acknowledges funding from the Department for Transport. The authors of this guide are employed by Ricability. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the Department for Transport.
We also thank the many people who provided comments on the first edition of this guide. We are grateful to Douglas Campbell of the DDA, Paul Gambrell, Dave Elvin and Lesley Riley of Motability, Roy Walters and other members of NMEDA UK and to Rolf Lamsdale at the Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) for help along the way.
Original edition written by Ann Mells
Research Jamie Keddie
Edited by David Yelding
Design PriceWatkins
Illustration Clive Goodyer
The authors of this guide are employed by Ricability. Any views expressed
are not necessarily those of the Department for Transport.
Report contents
Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -
- Useful built-in features
- Getting in and out
- Seats and seating
- Major controls
- Secondary controls
- Accessories
- Loading and stowing
- Wheelchair users
- Staying in your wheelchair
- Buying second hand
Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses
