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Original poster

Is there a place on MN to discuss cars?

37 replies

OhMonDieu · 02/01/2023 08:25

I've had a look and can't find any.

I'm thinking of changing mine and would love to exchange experiences with WOMEN because there is a definite difference in design features for men and smaller women (like me.)

I'm thinking about seats, vision, etc.

Basically, I'm considering a small SUV as I'm having to do very long journeys on my own (to see elderly family) and I've a short list of possibles.

But most reviews are written by men.

OP posts:
Beebumble2 · 02/01/2023 09:29

I have a VW T Cross, it’s brilliant, very safe NCAP5*. I’m 5ft 4. and it’s so comfortable, I regularly do a 300 mile journey. It’s got loads of extras, rear camera, heated seats and a large boot area which can be adjusted for bulky items.
Go for a test drive.

jackstini · 02/01/2023 09:59

Currently have a Ford Kuga hybrid and that's very comfortable for long drives

Good to use electric for shorter drives too

I'm 5'1" and seat adjustments are good for vision. It has cameras and sensors for parking too

Bluevelvetsofa · 02/01/2023 11:05

Skoda Kamiq or Karoq. Less expensive than VW, but the same platform.

Dandelionsinthegarden · 02/01/2023 11:13

I'm 5ft 1 and have a VW Tiguan and I love it!
As above poster said, Skoda same platform or SEAT Ateca is the same as a Tiguan just different badge basically. You also have the smaller crossover type SUV's.
Tiguan is 5 star NCAP rating, rear seats are very adjustable, cup holders in the back for kids and trays on the back seats for kids too. I have the auto 4 wheel drive version which isn't the best on fuel but you can get more fuel efficient engines.
Front seat and steering wheel very adjustable as I said I am very short and I drive this comfortably. Heated seats for the winter. Long drives is very comfortable. Parking sensors and Bluetooth are handy too.

Original poster
OhMonDieu · 02/01/2023 11:19

Thank you, you lovely lot!

I am looking at

VW Tiguan
BMW X3
Volvo XC40

DH favours the BMW as he's got one already (not an X series) and rates the customer care/ support etc, but when I hopped into the X3 at a dealer, I very much had to 'hop out' of the driver's seat. I couldn't reach to put my foot on the ground , from seated.

(my inside leg is 28 inches.)

I have had numerous VW Golfs which I love but doing longer motorway journeys I find I am lusting over more road 'presence' (not speed, just height and visibility.)

@Dandelionsinthegarden Any downside to the Tiguan?

OP posts:
JustLikeJasper · 02/01/2023 11:26

I have a Tiguan and i love it. I'm 5'1 and no issues with vision out of it

Dandelionsinthegarden · 02/01/2023 11:31

@OhMonDieu my inside leg is 27 inches and getting in and out is fairly easy but I cannot put my foot on the ground from seated.
Funny you mention road presence as that's what I love about mine, the seating position is nice and high and I feel safe and secure in it.
Downside I would probably say for the size of the car the boot seems small, but you can slide the rear seats back and forth. I haven't actually tested the boot space as haven't been away but if you're a family that likes camping etc might be worth considering.
I would also consider repair costs (I work in the motor trade) VW parts will be cheaper and easier to get hold of than Volvo for sure. BMW will be easily accessible but more expensive.

Damnautocorrect · 02/01/2023 11:31

motortrade so drive a lot of cars and alot of miles for work.
BMWs are not great for short drivers. You might be ok. But I can’t drive them and a lot of other women in the trade struggle. The petrol engines are also a bit shit for long term ownership For me the vws are most comfortable. Xc40 is a brilliantly under rated car. I like them. A lot. seem to be taking the miles etc well.

Original poster
OhMonDieu · 02/01/2023 11:56

Those of you with Tiguans, what size engine do you drive?

I've always had 2lt Golfs but I know some of the smaller engines in newer Golfs are pretty nippy, but the Tiguan is a bigger car.

OP posts:
PaperBagsAreUselessInRain · 02/01/2023 12:07

I had an XC60 and I still miss it. Best car I ever had.

PaperBagsAreUselessInRain · 02/01/2023 12:07

I also have short legs

MandyMotherOfBrian · 02/01/2023 12:08

I’ve had running boards fitted to all the SUVs I’ve had, really helps when you’re short legged, getting in and out but also if you’ve ever got to use a roof top box as I sometimes do.

Damnautocorrect · 02/01/2023 12:23

the 1.4 is a great engine in them. It’s a bit of a mind shift with these smaller engines. But that 1.4 is great.

2FelisCatus · 02/01/2023 12:29

We have an xc40 and I love it. It has great acceleration for pulling out onto motorways. The seats are the most comfortable I've found for women. BMW seats always feel like they were made for giant race car driving men. I used to slide around it them. It does have decent sized blind spots but it does have a blind spot alert (light in the mirror) and that sorts it out. The boot isn't huge but good enough. It's too high for our dog to jump in without damaging his hips so we had to get a ramp.

Caspianberg · 02/01/2023 12:42

I drive the vw id4. It’s basically the same size as the vw Tiguan but electric. I’m short, dh talk and it adjusts well.
Fits all child related crap

Original poster
OhMonDieu · 02/01/2023 12:55

SinnerBoy · 02/01/2023 12:31

Yes! Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
OhMonDieu · 02/01/2023 12:57

BMW seats always feel like they were made for giant race car driving men.

Agree.
I've never driven DH's. (5 and 3 series.) Even as a passenger, my back hurts on long runs as the seat doesn't fit me.

OP posts:
User0610134057 · 02/01/2023 13:16

Size wise, does anyone know what the equivalent Skoda model is to the Tiguan?

SinnerBoy · 02/01/2023 13:37

OhMonDieu · Today 12:55

Good oh! I remember the same question a few years ago, on another forum.

eurochick · 02/01/2023 14:29

I have an x3 and love it. I'm a bit taller than you (inside leg 30) and don't have an issue getting in and out (unless I'm wearing a pencil skirt for work...). If I had to choose a car again tomorrow I'd go for another x3, no question. We had a Volvo XC60 before but the bmw is just better all round.

willthatbeall · 02/01/2023 14:33

Small SUV would be the BMW X1 not X3
I'm on my 2nd X1 2.0d xdrive and LOVE it! It's a super car. Easy to park, huge deep boot space.

Twiggywinkle13 · 02/01/2023 14:37

I have recently got the Volvo xc90, which I know is bigger but there are smaller versions (xc40 or xc60). It’s a really fab car for someone small in terms of vision to see out and seat adjustment (I’m 5ft 2, just!). You don’t get safer than a Volvo!

DialSquare · 02/01/2023 14:38

I also have an XC40 and love it. I find it so comfortable, in fact, I mention (to anyone who will listen) how comfortable it is every time we have a long drive!

stopbeeping · 02/01/2023 14:40

I'm 5ft 1

Best cars I've had are the VW cc, Audi A6 two of those and a VW Arteon..
I sit on a small gardening pillow and have the seat up high.

I found the seat ateca and Tiguan awful to see from

Same with the xc60- I couldn't see out the back

I gave those two cars back I hated them so much

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