I'm looking at small SUVs so I can carry a companion wheelchair easily, as well as having good safety features, especially for winter driving. I'm especially concerned that the vehicle will be easy for him to board. Right now, I'm considering a Jeep Cherokee (2014). I can't afford a luxury vehicle. I'm just interested in domestic cars. Does anyone have any recommendations?
The trunk is quite large and it is easy to get the wheelchair or walker in/out. I also purchased a little gizmo that fits into the car door that allows her to lean on it to get up. The company called 'Standers' has lots of disability aids.
We also have a Sport Utility and for a while she was able to get in/out of it with the use of a ramp we purchased on Amazon. We can roll the wheelchair right up to the seat - problem now is that she cannot stand up from a wheelchair without someone to help her out and - well - it just doesn't work with the ramp. She was strong enough for a while to walk up the ramp (it wasn't real steep) - but she is wobblier now and using the ramp isn't safe. So, we have gone back to using the car.
I would not purchase something really expensive - Sport Utilities cost much more than a regular auto with leather seats and the mileage is poorer. We find the car adequate for her transportation needs. It is easy to lift her legs into the car and fasten her belt as well.
The trick is to find one that has not had the odometer turned back - so buy from someone reputable.
They got an ACURA SUV which worked for them.
Take dad with you and try several.
My Dad [who is 92] loves riding in the Jeep. Dad is short [amazing how parents get shorter and shorter over the years] and he has no problems getting in and out of the vehicle. Also, the cargo bay makes life easier when it comes to shopping, no more diving into the trunk to get things out.
I have the heated seats, but Dad didn't like them, he said the heat made him feel like he had to go to the bathroom :)
One draw back, my Mom can no longer climb up into the Jeep. I think it is an excuse because she doesn't like the "truck ride" of my Jeep. She rather be in her big Olds which makes me carsick just backing out of the driveway :0