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Still about a year before ready to replace my 2003 Malibu. Looking at compact cars. If the price is right, might get midsize sedan. Took the wife to Toyota to test a Corolla. My wife has to be able to drive my car so her being able to fit well in the driver's seat is a priority. She's 4'11" tall with S-curve scoliosis and nerve damage causing her pain so a smooth comfortable ride is a must on the horrible roads of Louisiana. She was able to get in a comfortable position and test drive the Corolla. She found it had enough acceeration for daily driving around town and the ride wasn't bone jarring. Very smooth. Just to see, we each went and sat in the back seat. Already told you my wife's height. I'm 5'5" tall. I almost could not get in the back seat behind the seat adjusted for my height! I use to have a 1994 Cavalier and I had plenty of room in the back seat. Overall size, the Corolla is nearly the size of my Malibu and yet there's plenty of rear leg room in my Malibu. Back seat isn't a deal breaker for us since it's just the two of us now that her dad passed away (he was 86). What surprised me was this was an LE model and it was about $20,000. The new Nissan Altima S (entry model) was only $1,000 more with more room, more powerful engine, faster acceleration, and higher fuel economy. Maybe the Corolla's prices will come down next year on the 2013 models when the brand new 2014 model comes out. I liked the Kia Forte but my wife can't see over the dashboard without a pillow or seat cushion. Don't care for the look of the Civic. Haven't tried the Focus, Fiesta, Elantra, Fit, Mazda3, nor Dart yet. While at the dealership, I'm checking the prices of their entry level midsize sedan while I'm there. Camry starting price is a bit high and I think the Accord may be as well. Plus I don't like the owner of the local Honda dealer. I HATE the owner of the local Toyota dealer which is why I drove about 15 minutes on the interstate. This guy is so mean that when one of his salesmen quit to go work somewhere else, he drove to that dealership to beat up the salesmen.
On my last business trip last week, my rental car was a brand new Chevy Cruze... I am a Toyota/Honda guy but I gotta tell you, I was VERY impressed with the Chevy Cruze... That thing was a ton of fun to drive, had loads of options and looked fantastic. I'm still skeptical regarding long term reliability but was very impressed by it...
A friend has a Matrix. I'm 6'1", and while I don't want to drive it for hours, there is enough room for me in any seat. I have little experience in small cars but the ride seems OK.
Given the back issue, I am not sure a short test drive would be sufficient. If possible, narrow it down as far as comfort/budget, then try to have one for an extended test drive esp for your wife. Some dealers would do this, otherwise the cost of renting one might be well worth it.
Given the back issue, I am not sure a short test drive would be sufficient. If possible, narrow it down as far as comfort/budget, then try to have one for an extended test drive esp for your wife. Some dealers would do this, otherwise the cost of renting one might be well worth it.
Right now we're just narrowing down our options based upon if she's physically able to drive the car withou using a pillow or cushion. From there, we'll pick them apart. Acceration is an issue in that we don't want too much. If I accelerate too quick from a stop, it causes her pain in her back. Same with quick turns. She use to love jack rabbit starts.
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