Time for a change

[Head Womble]

Well it was time to change SWMBO's car as the 406 is to low for her and her bad knees.

So today I put a deposit on a 2000 Ford Galaxy 1.9 110 (non PD) auto Zetec, 112K. pick it up on saturday.

[oakwoodtv]

That's the problem with most cars now the driving position means your feet are only
six inches lower than your bum.

And if you have to get in when its parked next to the curb you have to be a contortionist.   

[julesandtash]

I thought she may have stolen the Disco off of you and it was you who was looking for a new car 

[Head Womble]

I thought she may have stolen the Disco off of you and it was you who was looking for a new car 

Na, the disco's just a little too high for her, and with the seats up the boot is too small for all three dogs.

Plus we've gone for an auto as it's less stress on her knees.

Have you ever tried looking for a reasonably fuel efficient diesel auto with high seating position and a large boot for less than £1500, not a lot out there believe me.

[greasemonkey]

I've got a dodgy ankle, from bending the handlebars on a motorbike with it, as I ejected.
Peugeot clutches are a pig. The clutch pedal is small, and it's impossible to get the whole foot on it, just the toes, where it causes most stress. I often change gear in a car without the clutch.
As you say, a bigger vehicle, with a higher seat is so much better.
I guess it's different with knees. I've sometimes thought about putting an extension on the clutch pedal.

[rbdazza]

Automatics are the way forward. Both our cars are autos. Firstly because swmbo couldn't pass her test in a manual.. However I think id struggle to go back now. Fuel consumption is annoying though

[bertle]

My caddy van is a 1.6 tdi with a 7 speed dsg which is superb, after being an auto sceptic I am suprised how much I like it, swmbo also likes it so we have bought an Altea with the same engine and box.

[julesandtash]

Have you ever tried looking for a reasonably fuel efficient diesel auto with high seating position and a large boot for less than £1500, not a lot out there believe me.

My RangeRover would have scored quite highly on most of those points, especially as access mode on the air suspension makes it easy to get in and out of - even Tash's mother who is registered disabled found it OK but, then you mentioned fuel consumption !!!

The Rangie makes a Discovery look positively frugal in the fuel department

[oakwoodtv]

Automatics are the way forward.

You cannot beat four on the floor.

[Manfred]

Have you ever tried looking for a reasonably fuel efficient diesel auto with high seating position and a large boot for less than £1500, not a lot out there believe me.

My RangeRover would have scored quite highly on most of those points, especially as access mode on the air suspension makes it easy to get in and out of - even Tash's mother who is registered disabled found it OK but, then you mentioned fuel consumption !!!

The Rangie makes a Discovery look positively frugal in the fuel department

     RangeRover's and fuel consumption go hand in hand. My TD5  is a lot better but in winter just put in what it needs and forget about the miles it hasn't done since last top up. It's an Auto also.

[Manfred]

I fancied a galaxy myself when we got the Landy as the Ghia has a cab heater fitted so toasty in winter for the school run. What are the 1.9 engines like with bio ?

[Head Womble]

I fancied a galaxy myself when we got the Landy as the Ghia has a cab heater fitted so toasty in winter for the school run. What are the 1.9 engines like with bio ?

Mine is a Zetec and has the cabin heater, not sure yet if it's lecy or a diesel burner.

Plenty run the 1.9TDI on bio (some on veg), don't forget it's a VAG under that Ford badge.

[Head Womble]

Have you ever tried looking for a reasonably fuel efficient diesel auto with high seating position and a large boot for less than £1500, not a lot out there believe me.

My RangeRover would have scored quite highly on most of those points, especially as access mode on the air suspension makes it easy to get in and out of - even Tash's mother who is registered disabled found it OK but, then you mentioned fuel consumption !!!

The Rangie makes a Discovery look positively frugal in the fuel department

I found out today that it has captain seats that swivel and make it even easier to get in and out of.

[Manfred]

Thanks for that. I didn't know ford fitted VAG units.  Nice with the captains chairs also. 

[Head Womble]

Thanks for that. I didn't know ford fitted VAG units.  Nice with the captains chairs also.

The VW Sharran, Ford Galaxy and Seat Alhambra are all the same car underneath, built with VAG parts.

Ford 2,0L diesel units are PSA engines with Delphi fuel systems (far inferior to the Bosch/Siemens systems PSA use).

The 1.6L diesel is a joint effort between PSA and Ford and is used in many cars including the BMW mini.