Small cheap car, tall driver

[RoseAdage]

Any recommendations? We’re looking for a small second hand car that my 6’2” husband will be able to drive, so reasonable headroom and legroom in the front. Budget is about 6k. Mainly city driving, doesn’t need anything flash.

Thank you.

Fiat 500 ( rented on holiday, fitted the Tall One).

My son is 6' 2" and has plenty of room in his Vauxhall Corsa.

I'm nearly 6ft and can drive our company Aygos without bumping my head. I find the car itself a bit crap but my point is most small cars will fit tall people. I'd go for a corsa or fiesta for something a bit nicer.

My 6'6" partner fits in my Ford Fiesta.

My 6'3 DP has plenty of head and leg room in my Polo.
Used to have a Rover and he needed to tilt his head slightly.

Our vw polo is okay for me 6'3 nephew. Nobody can sit behind him mind....

My 6'4" dad (with shorter legs & longer body) fits in my Fiat 500.

We've got a citron c1, plenty of room

It’s more about proportions than height.

My brother’s boyfriend has a Mazda MX-5 which is a relatively compact thing. He’s 6’2 or 6’3 I think and fits behind the wheel fine. But my brother, who’s notionally the same height, can’t get behind the wheel comfortably, even factoring in adjusting the seat, so doesn’t drive it.

It’s to do with the ratio between leg length and torso length I think.

There’s no substitute for going and sitting in things.

VW Up. £20 tax. Great headroom - 6'2" husband v happy

My son is 6'2" and he drives a Toyota Aygo. It is surprisingly roomy for a small car. I sat in the back when we took it for a test drive. I'm 6'.

I've got a Vauxhall Adam which I love. My husband is 6'1" and finds it easy to drive and he fits in easily. The back seat space is quite limited but the front is roomy and I'm always amazed by how much I can fit in the car when the back seats are down.

I'm over 6" and my DH is way over, it definitely depends on proportions!

I'm very long legged, so the majority of fiat 500s are an issue (can't get legs under the wheel) because of the upright position, but minis are absolutely fine.

Minis,VW Polo / Golf, Hyundais etc are all okay in my experience as a long legged one. I find cars that have the seats lower offer more legroom for me. Definitely try them all out though, trial and error!

Yes to Aygos. They are higher inside than you think. No to Fiat 500 if you ever have anyone in the back! I saw a very tall bloke get out of a small VW recently, think they're called Up.

I sell cars, go car shopping with your husband and see what fits him. Some people are long in leg, some people are long in body, there's folk I'd never have thought would fit in a small car, but found it more doable than an SUV, better posture and driving position etc. the only way is to try, like you do when you go shoe shopping.

Thanks, everyone. Really helpful. Had been thinking about a Vauxhall Corsa so good to hear that that might work. A Polo would be great but maybe over budget.

We will definitely try before we buy- just keen not to make an appointment and then find he can't fit in!

My 6'2 husband can drive my Fiat Panda ok. His height is in his legs. Its not the smoothest ride, but its cheap to buy, insure and run. Due to the square shape its a practical little car, and very easy to park. I've had mine from new, and its still going strong 13 years later.

Toyota Yaris, my 6ft 5 DS has one. Toyota has constantly been best car for not needing a lot spent to get through an MOT, very reliable overall.

We had a Citroen C3 which my 6'2" DH had no problem with. Ditto Skodas.

DH is 6'3" with long legs - we have an old Audi A2 as our little train station runaround and it's great for him

Aygo/C1 are comfortable for taller drivers. The Yaris and Jazz are also good in the next size class up. The C3 and C3 Picasso will come within budget, slightly larger but with good upright driving positions for taller drivers.

I'd avoid anything from Kia, as a taller driver they always feel cramped. As do the smaller Hyundai models.

A good tip is to look at what older drivers are driving. An upright driving position in a car with a higher roofline is generally more comfortable as a taller driver than the reclined sporty option.

I’m 6’3 and have a 10 year old civic, mk9 so a couple models back. It’s fine for me. You’ll get a used one with around 50k for that budget. Very very reliable, but that’s Hondas for you. Huge boot and does around 40mpg. Good around town too, nice and nippy.