They are 79. Mum has pretty bad rheumatoid arthritis and finds walking difficult and has to have automatic.
The last three cars they have had have been four door BMWs which they have bought used from main dealers at roughly two years old. They've loved the experience of owning BMs and have found that they like heated leather seats, for comfort, and because they don't stick to Mum's clothes as she slides in and out, which would cause her pain.
They like normal size wheels and tyres for a comfortable ride, not sports wheels.
Two or three door models are out. The doors are longer and heavy, making it hard for Mum to get in and out at, say supermarket, or doctor's surgery car parks.
Although they are considering a BMW 1 series (five door) they are not averse to looking at other makes. Dad went to look at a new Mazda 3 at at dealer. He found that the heated leather was only an option on the top spec model, which had sports wheels etc.
Mum always wanted a Mini!
For the first time in their lives they are considering new. But I'd be surprised if they wanted to spend more than £20K. Like good wine, Mum considers it a waste.
Any advice please? Cars have always been a big thing in our family, so this matters. Thanks.
Chris
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Bruce Woodhouse
My older parents (85/83yrs) have just bought a new car and I steered them towards ones with a slightly higher seating position. They both find it increasingly difficult getting in and out of a lower sporty car. The BMW has to be a bit low I would think.
They ended up with a Peugeot 2008 'crossover'. Now that is not my idea of a great car personally but they are comfortable, the doors are easy and they can get in and out without great effort as it is higher and they can just step into it rather than dropping down-and at their age this matters more than my priorities for excitement or performance! They liked a Citroen C3 Picasso too for the same reason.
Most manufacturers have similar style models-the Kia/Hyundai ranges are great value for example.
If they want something more conventional then I cannot recommend my Volvo V40 enough as a quiet comfy (the seats are brilliant) efficient and reliable hatchback. Leather heated seats definitely an option.
A Golf strikes me as a safe bet too.
Bruce
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Bruce Woodhouse
Another option (there are hundreds) might be a Honda Civic. Popular with older drivers+, again sits you a bit higher. Leather etc no problem not sure if they do heated seats. My wife had one for some time as one of a succession of Hondas. Unbreakable engineering, easry to live with if lacking much driving sparkle. That is the car not my wife BTW.
Bruce
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Christopher_M
Thank you Bruce, lots of useful stuff there that I will be passing on. I notice that the Civic has caught my Dad's eye too.
I agree with you about getting in and out of Bimmers, one series or otherwise. They strike me as low and the seats quite a long way inboard, so not the best choice for those with worsening physical mobility problems.
Together they did look briefly at a Ford B-max. It was quickly dismissed as it "smacked too much of disability" with its easy access doors. To me this gets us close to the essence of the problem: they're emotionally attached to the status and the brand values of the BMW but their rational minds know that they need practicality too.
I agree with you that a Golf could be good, or possibly Audi.
Chris
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Penarth Blues
You don't mention if they also find difficulty parking and manoeuvring as well.
If what they actually want is a sporty small comfortable car then I'd get them to have a look at the new Polo GTI which is literally just about to come out. Small, easy to park, nippy (189 BHP), and has heated seats if they need them. I don't think they do leather though.
This would be in the price range you are looking for from new and ticks all the right boxes I'd hope.
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Christopher_M
Originally Posted by Penarth Blues:
You don't mention if they also find difficulty parking and manoeuvring as well.
Not my Dad, but my Mum definitely. She would consider a five mile journey, tops, in daylight, and would be anxious about finding a parking space near (and I mean near) her destination. You're probably wondering about a blue badge. Me too. But there's quite a lot of denial going on.
Dad loves driving and would happily drive them to the south of France for a holiday. Thanks about Polo GTi suggestion
C.
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Penarth Blues
Originally Posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
The Polo GTI is going to be a hard ride and sporty wheels. Ditto most Audi-such as the A1 (my wife's current car). My Volvo is way more comfy.
Bruce
Can't disagree about the Volvo seats for comfort - my old S60 was the best car I've ever owned once its stereo and the seats were experienced. However, the doors are big and heavy and the car itself is not particularly small or manoeuvrable if you are struggling with reducing ability.
I'd based my suggestion on my experiences of what would probably work best for a shopping trolley on wheels with a bit of style for around £20k. However, the ride may be an issue and until they try one it will be difficult to know. I'd think that probably the seat shape would be more of an issue than the ride itself so you may be correct that it's not suitable.
Bit like buying speakers really - you know when they suit what you want! 
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Steve J
I just bought my wife a Nissan Qashqai which she loves. A few weeks ago she had an operation on her left foot (fusion of the big toe joint) which means she's not too mobile. She finds the seat height perfect for getting in and out, as my 82 year old mother in law does. The car is very easy and light to drive, is economical and has very cheap insurance. In fact we received a refund when changing over to the new car from a twelve year old BMW 520i. It should be within budget and is built in the UK.
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Christopher_M
Guys, thank you all for helping but I've just received a phone call. They've bought another 325. I am amazed! The last time they bought a car the deliberations went on for weeks. This time, days. I can only think the supper table discussions were doing Mum's head in.
Er, it wouldn't have been my choice either.
They do the swap over at the Bimmer dealer on Thurs.
Best,
Chris
Posted on: 02 March 2015 by Christopher_M
Originally Posted by JRHardee:
Heated and leather seats seem to be a priority.
My thought too. Therefore the biggest surprise is that the four year old 325i they've bought has 'Vertex' seats. (It's auto though, and the 17" wheels are the smallest that can be fitted on that model. Seem a bit low profile to me but I'm hoping they're happy with the package).
With a few years of forum membership under the belt, you'd think I'd be used to people saying one thing and doing another by now.
C.
Posted on: 05 March 2015 by Mr Mole
automatic is a good choice though. no need to mess with a gearstick! 2.5l is a lot of oomph, though, unless they live in the Cotswolds, with all those bloody hills!
Posted on: 05 March 2015 by Christopher_M
Yes, it was always going to be automatic. Mum has to have it. Dad prefers it. My mechanic brother who works at a Ferrari dealer tells me it's 3 litres under the bonnet despite the 325i badge. And the old man does like to press on a bit when Mum's not with him. Oh yes, and it's got reversing beepers which they both like, and have had on the last two BMs. "Reversing hooters" as they call them.
C.
