Which comfy car for a retired couple in Tralee?
The question
We are a retired couple, 70 and 68 living in Tralee Co. Kerry and in need of a new car.
Our 16-year-old Toyota Corolla is coming to the end of its trouble free life; the choice of a Toyota was decreed by circumstance, we bought it new, found it a bit 'light' and would like a 'heavier' car with firm and comfortable seating. Can you recommend something?
Please do not recommend a new Volkswagen; to buy one we would need to buy it from the sole Volkswagen dealer in Kerry and after our terrible experience with this dealer we would never, ever buy a car from that dealer again.
Our budget would be about €18,000/20,000, non diesel as we do not do enough driving to justify a diesel car. Can you recommend models of cars we should consider?
With thanks and good wishes
Yours sincerely
Mary G. Johnson
Asked by Mary G. Johnson Johnson ·
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Have you considered a Ford Focus? I’m not sure what the situation is in your area with dealers etc, but a Focus has terrific steering – firmly weighted, direct and full of feedback and feel, and it’s also comfortable and well made (although, as a bad-back sufferer myself I would always suggest as lengthy a test drive as possible to make sure you find the seats a good shape). Quality and reliability are also good, if not quite up to Toyota levels. Your budget should get you into a year-old, maybe 18-month-old model and the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine should make for an ideal option for you.
Answered by Neil Briscoe