HELP... I need to purchase an automobile

I’ve owned a few motor cars throughout my years. Always knew what I wanted. Now, I am at a loss.
1st car - '72 Tbird, 2nd car - '78 TBird TownLandau (wanted the '79 LincolnMarkV), 3rd car - '85 Cutlass Brougham (wanted the '85 Delta88 Coupe), 4th car -‘94 GrandMarquis (deSade pkge: leather interior, canvas roof, xtra chrome).
Obviously, these are not “driver’s cars”. They rode quietly, smoothly. Easy to get in and out of & easy on the wallet.
At 6’, I don’t seem to even fit into most contemporary automobiles.

4CARS

I’m not sure if you’re telling us what you’ve had in the past… or if you’re considering these cars for purchase.

What are your needs for a vehicle? Do you need to be able to haul stuff? Do you need lots of room for passengers, or will you be driving alone most of the time? Is fuel economy a concern?

Identifying what you need your vehicle to do is the first step. We can go from there.

Nonsense , with adjustable seats and steering columns I can’t even believe you wrote that.

6 Likes

Unless the contemporary automobiles in which you sat were all sub-compacts, that statement just doesn’t make much sense.

I find bending over to be somewhat of an issue. My Honda CRV is pretty easy to get in and out of.

i think the selection of newer full frame RWD sedans is limited. maybe find as new/low mileage town car you can? should be easy on the internet

1 Like

Sadly, the closest car to those you’ve owned is a Suburban or Escalade! Body on frame, V8 engines, RWD, isolated ride quality, but obviously taller.

The Forester is very easy to get in and out, and has tons of headroom. I have the seat all the way up, with an added cushion, and I have lots of headroom.

Note: get a car without sunroof, it subtracts an inch or two.

1 Like

I am 6 foot tall and every car we have had since 1998 has had a power sun roof and it has not been a problem.

Consumer Reports recently had an article about recommended cars for seniors. As I recall the Subaru Forester was high on the list.

HELP… I need to purchase an automobile.

I’m not loaning you any money!! LOL :yum:

4 Likes

Without more info there’s nothing we can really help you with. New/used? Budget? Use?

a SmartCar

I have short legs, 30" inseam at 6’. My 2012 Impala is finally a decent fit, but I find myself parked two feet back in parking spaces. Have to get out and check, all the time. I need a HOOD ORNAMENT. I like the Impala enough though.

To be honest, if someone offered me that 1985 Cutlass Brougham today, in working condition, I’d JUMP at the opportunity! I remember when those were everywhere, then they became “beater cars” for poor people, and then they disappeared. The styling has really aged well.

I’m presuming you prefer a new or newer car, not a restored classic. Other than the “easy on the wallet” factor, I’m seeing the Lexus E350 as your next car. The Forrester as mentioned above seems a pretty good choice too.

1 Like

Dads almost the same build and fit’s in his 2019 Honda CRV just fine, no problem parking it. For your Impala putting an aftermarket backup camera on the front such as above the front plate would help you.

Still thinking about it 6 years later? Can’t be that urgent…

3 Likes

In 1974 i bought a brand new olds cutlass salon, and it was fairly awful. The engine had lousy low-end torque, and was out of breath above 4,500 RPM. The interior switchgear was cheap looking and feeling. I even called Ed Iskendrian to see if i could get a camshaft to give me some low end grunt. I knew Ed from when I formerly built Mopar racing engines. He told me not to waste my time with that 350 V8. I was so disappointed with that car that i traded it after one year for a 1975 Olds 98 Regency, which turned out to be one of the best cars i’ve ever owned.

4 Likes

+1
I am a little confused about this one… What was the purpose of your 6 year later post, just to tell us you need a hood ornament??
With all do respect, what is the point of the post??
I really am trying to understand, not trying to be a ----- about it… lol