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»	Tall Persons Club GB & Ireland BBS » Various » Lobbying Issues » Cars

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Topic: Cars

Bignick610

BBS User # 953

posted 19-04-2006 11:46

Where are we on cars these days?

I try lots different cars around world as drive with work in foreign climes and still prefer the massive leg room oferred by some models of Mercedes and Audi. These manufacturers have the extra compensation of being able to jack the seat back with side lever in addition to the traditional front accessed slider. The Opel Vectra also offers more than average, and the new Peugeot 407 has lots legroom, but seat back is not very adjustable.

Most people think of jeeps for tall people, but the square sitting position gets very tiring after a short time, and the same applies to people carriers, and many don't have the headroom.

One big problem I've noticed, which is getting worse, is the need in Europe for huge fascia panels around the gear stick/hand brake area. Why do we need this. In the USA, with dash mounted sticks, there is 'nothing' in the middle of the car on which to bash your knees. Incidentally, I expect a rise in varicose veins on UK left legs, due to constant vibration/rubbing of left leg on the central column. Any input from car manufacturers on this issue would be an advantage, as it is not restricted to tall complaints!

Back in the UK and at home, I avoid all these problems as I ride my mountain bike, with massive Kalloy seat tube!

Posts: 12 | From: Harlow | Registered: Mar 2005 | IP: Logged

Foxywolf

BBS User # 53

posted 28-11-2008 11:31

After 9½ years, I have recently changed my ancient Vauxhall Vectra hatchback for a slightly less ancient (Year 2000, W-reg) Ford Mondeo hatchback. Its bodyshell is smaller than the later models, making it easier to park, and most of the time it's just me in the car. One clear gain compared to the Vectra is greater headroom for the front seat occupants. A slight loss is that the centrol console housing the radio and the ventilation controls is wider (see BigNick's comment above) and thus my left leg is a bit more cramped when changing gear. Up to now, I have avoided driving in traffic jams!

Posts: 362 | From: Basingstoke | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

BIGJ44

BBS User # 1137

posted 28-11-2008 12:13

You should have a look at Smart cars the City coupe or the 4-2 which is the same model but the 4-2 is the newish one.
Iam 6`5&3/4 and I fit in my 07 plate one no problem. I even went to france for a week with friends this year and had no trouble with it.
2 or 3 of use have them in the club.

Posts: 31 | From: Hollingworth nr Glossop | Registered: Nov 2008 | IP: Logged

Karl Bough

BBS User # 1160

posted 02-09-2009 13:09

I was on a Driving Experience in Leicestershire last Friday, driving an Aston Martin DB9 around the circuit. I'm 6' 3" and it was a tight fit. I had to move the seat right back to get my legs into the footwell.

Posts: 57 | From: Stoke-on-Trent | Registered: Sep 2009 | IP: Logged

webmaster
Administrator
BBS User # 142

posted 03-09-2009 09:58

Karl,

Would you be kind enough to add a little review of the DB9 in the Product Reviews car section as we only have a Vanquish in the database? If you had to wear a crash helmet then please mention that as it would affect the headroom a lot.

Many thanks,

Paul
(trying to get the car reviews to the magic 300 mark... only 3 more needed!)

Posts: 1040 | From: Reading, Berkshire | Registered: Dec 99 | IP: Logged

Karl Bough

BBS User # 1160

posted 03-09-2009 13:02

I have added the review of the DB9 - plus reviews for the Skoda Superb and Audi A6, which I test drove a couple of years ago. That brings the tally up to the magic 300!

Posts: 57 | From: Stoke-on-Trent | Registered: Sep 2009 | IP: Logged

webmaster
Administrator
BBS User # 142

posted 04-09-2009 12:46

Superb! 300 reviews. I never imagined we'd get to that number when the reviews page started!

Many thanks for your excellent reviews, Karl, and also a big thanks to everyone else who has contributed to the reviews section over the years.

Posts: 1040 | From: Reading, Berkshire | Registered: Dec 99 | IP: Logged

Karl Bough

BBS User # 1160

posted 04-09-2009 17:21

On an episode of Top Gear, I remember that on one of their challenges (the Top Gear studio to Nice in southern France), 6' 5" Jeremy Clarkson was driving an Aston Martin DB9, although he wasn't wearing a helmet. It didn't look like he had much headroom or legroom to spare though.

Posts: 57 | From: Stoke-on-Trent | Registered: Sep 2009 | IP: Logged

Karl Bough

BBS User # 1160

posted 06-09-2009 17:03

I would have written a review for my own car, a Ford Granada Scorpio, but found there was already a review for this model, and because my car is so old (15) I thought it better to stick with newer cars in the reviews. As they are so old, they are also now very few and far between. My car is a green 1994 L-registration 2.9 24v Cosworth hatchback, which I had back in September 2005 as a 24th birthday present. It has very generous amounts of headroom and legroom, both front and rear, lots of equipment and terrific performance.

Posts: 57 | From: Stoke-on-Trent | Registered: Sep 2009 | IP: Logged

Loz

BBS User # 1125

posted 14-09-2009 17:01

Any advice out there on a possible car for my 17 year old son (6'7" and all legs)! He is currently having driving lessons in a Peugeot 306 but struggles with the leg room and changing gear. We have been looking for a small cheap car for him to no avail at present. I have a Toyota Celica and he just about fits in that but do I really want him zooming around in my car?!?! Any advice would be much appreciated.

Posts: 7 | From: Derbyshire | Registered: Jul 2008 | IP: Logged

BIGJ44

BBS User # 1137

posted 20-09-2009 10:46

Loz,
If he wants to see if he can fit in a Smart car let me know and he can try mine for size.
They look small but have a lot of room on the inside.
Chaep to run, tax, insure and fun to drive.

Posts: 31 | From: Hollingworth nr Glossop | Registered: Nov 2008 | IP: Logged

Loz

BBS User # 1125

posted 20-09-2009 13:46

Thanks BIGJ44 - That's really kind of you; I just might take you up on that ... he's off to Uni next year so will need to get something sorted before then - either that or the tram into Sheffield!

Posts: 7 | From: Derbyshire | Registered: Jul 2008 | IP: Logged

BIGJ44

BBS User # 1137

posted 20-09-2009 15:20

you are more than welcome to take me up on it Loz.

Posts: 31 | From: Hollingworth nr Glossop | Registered: Nov 2008 | IP: Logged

Directors

BBS User # 30

posted 30-09-2009 18:37

I have a Renault Megane Scenic and it has lots of legroom in the front and for peolple in the back even with the drivers seat right back. I'm 6'6" and do about 20,000 miles a year.

Posts: 325 | From: UK | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

Karl Bough

BBS User # 1160

posted 09-01-2010 15:01

I sold my Ford Granada Scorpio. I was sad to see it go, I have greatly enjoyed it over the last four-and-a-half years, but can now look forward to treating myself to a LHD Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Limousine once I'm over in Spain!

[ 10-01-2010: Message edited by: Karl Bough ]

Posts: 57 | From: Stoke-on-Trent | Registered: Sep 2009 | IP: Logged

Big H

BBS User # 753

posted 10-01-2010 19:02

I love my PT Cruiser which has bags of space but as you are about to find out Karl is that there seems to be lots more driving space in LHD as you don't hit the gear stick everytime you take your foot off the clutch but you'll be amazed how many times you try to change gear with the door handle...

My 6'8" boyfriend drives a Toyota Yaris in comfort definately not what you would expect

Welcome to the TPC expat community

cheers
Helen

Posts: 315 | From: Cloggie Land | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

BIGJ44

BBS User # 1137

posted 09-02-2010 12:17

I have just got a Nissan Note 56 plate.
I was very concerned before I got it whether I would fit in it. Well was I in for a pleasant supprise.
There is more than enough room in it for me and my passengers.
The drive is very good as well as fuel consumption. £20 from Irvine in Scotland back to my home near Glossop came back via Arnside and Preston.
Well recomended.
I am leasing it from a company called lease2buy.

Posts: 31 | From: Hollingworth nr Glossop | Registered: Nov 2008 | IP: Logged

Julie Gray

BBS User # 1187

posted 15-06-2010 14:20

I have driven a PT cruiser for about 4 years. Lovely car but VERY expensive on repairs (£900 for a new clutch!)
Am about to trade in the old boy and have sat comfortably in a Suzuki SX4 so am thinking of getting one of those. I'm 6ft 5" with 36" inside leg.
Jules

Posts: 2 | From: Shrewsbury | Registered: Jun 2010 | IP: Logged

Andrew Smith

BBS User # 4

posted 16-06-2010 20:10

I've sold my very roomy Mondeo (reviewed in the latest TPC mag) and am now driving an E36 3 series BMW. Plenty of leg room but not as much headroom as you would expect. Mine doesn't have a sunroof so the headroom is better than those cars that have them fitted. Great car!

Posts: 794 | From: Buckinghamshire | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Big H

BBS User # 753

posted 17-06-2010 17:31

I'm hoping the clutch doesn't go on my beloved PT as everything car related in twice the price in The Netherlands

Posts: 315 | From: Cloggie Land | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

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