Buying a new or used car

I have Kia Sorento (second one) and find it very comfortable. DH has a Kia Rio, it's comfy but obviously smaller. A lot will depend on your budget and perhaps which dealers you have a locally. Can any friends/family members let you have a trial in their car?

It's hatchback cars and automatic I've driven for years so I would prefer that type of car. Very good suggestions from you and we will be shortlisting our preferences and then off to garages to see what we can find.
On another note, my husband always buys a used car saying that a new car depreciates in value as soon as it leaves the garage

I have had 2 Qashqais and loved them. My arthritis has necessitated a slightly lower ride and I have just bought a Toyota CH-R which I absolutely love.

We swapped our diesel HRV for a petrol CRV (couldn’t run to the hybrid) and it’s a lovely car but economical it ain’t! It wasn’t my choice but DH is completely in love with it. Being vertically challenged, with a dodgy hip to boot, I do have a problem getting in and out of it at times.

Ive never bought a new car. A low mileage Honda CRV would be ideal for you both. I loved mine although I now have a Volvo but would replace it with another Honda next time!. Try www.cazoo.co.uk

We have had 2 volvos. My husband really liked them. Safe and reliable he always said and very comfortable for his back when he had a slipped disc

I had a Rav4 which I loved but didn't enjoy driving the hybrid they loaned us. We currently have a Mazda CX5 but are looking at a Volvo to replace it - any one got one of those?

My OH has had 2 hip replacements. We have had Toyota Ravs for years and now have an Rav automatic hybrid. Easy to drive, easy to get in and out and importantly Toyotas are generally reliable. That is an important factor to consider, as it’s no good having a nice looking car which isn’t reliable.

The toyota rav4 hybrid is pretty snazzy too

I have one resurfaced and one replacement hip. I had a new Fiesta Zetec Ecoboost automatic six months before the full replacement surgery. The driver’s seat is adjustable in three ways, including height and I’ve always been comfortable even on long trips with no issues getting in and out.

It’s a great car to drive as it’s economic, responsive and corners well. Zero road tax for one year and then £30 p.a. There is a reason why Fiestas are so popular!

Should have said I can’t get in and out of low cars!

I had a Qashqai, really liked it. Before that I had a Subaru Forrester which was also excellent. Have just ordered a Honda CR V EX petrol hybrid.

I've had 3 CRVs which I have loved. They only do a self charging hybrid now though. A lot more money for not much saving in fuel.

I hated the Civic - it was so low it felt like a coffin to me! The HRV is nice to drive and nippy. Loved the Jazz - I’d have another in a heartbeat!

How about exploring PCP or whatever it’s called. Sort of ‘leased’ for 3 years then either returned or bought with a final payment? At least then you could change it for something else as your DH recovers, or if you didn’t like it. Most have a reasonable annual mileage which can be ignored if you intend to buy at the end. On the surface it looks expensive but most cars will lose 35% of their value in the first couple of years - so that needs to be factored in.

I agree with Grannynw about the Honda Jazz - I drove one for a few years and loved it till I fancied a change - sold it and bought a Kia, which is also good.

I agree with everyone who says look for a higher car, so it's easier to get in and out of. I have a Nissan too but an x trail, so it is quite big. For the two of you a small suv would suit?

If you like Honda's the CRV is nice or smaller version the HRV

I have a Honda Jazz. I like the slightly higher driving position and I find it comfortable to get in and out of with a chronic back problem. It was in the dealership for a few days recently for a bodywork repair. They lent me a courtesy car, a Honda Civic. Lovely car to drive but I felt very low down and struggled to get in and out of it. I was happy to get back on the road with my Jazz.

You will need a high seater car........a brand new car starts losing money as soon as you drive away from the forecourt- so my advice would be to buy a 2 or 3 year old car, from a dealership. Some cars come with 6 or 7 year warranties, like Kia. Good luck with your car-hunting .

I have a VW T Cross, a small SUV, but very spacious internally.
I had to buy it new because they were a brand new model, but now they’re 2 years old there should be some second hand ones. They have excellent reviews and are full of safety features giving them NCap 5*. You won’t see many on the road yet, as Covid meant there was a long waiting time to get one.
The advantage Of buying new was that I could add the specific extras I wanted. I regularly do a round 600 mile trip and it’s very comfortable.

Have a look at the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo and VW Caddy. They're based on a van but make very nice cars.

I’ve just bought, well ordered, a new Ford Puma, classed as a small suv. I did a lot of research of all small suvs as I have a Suzuki Splash currently which I love. I want a car with a raised roof and seat for better vision when driving as well as getting in and out but I also wanted the smallest automatic one on the market. My first choice was the Ford Ecosport, smallest length and width suv, but they no longer do it in an automatic so went up a size to the Puma. I just hope I made the right decision, I love being able to parallel park my Splash in places bigger cars won’t fit!

WhatCar website is very good. Covers every aspect.

I bought a 2017 Audi petrol automatic yesterday?. I’m tall, have a troublesome left hip and need a 5 door car (dog). Did a lot of research and didn’t want to go round lots of garages or travel far to look. When I’d decided on the Audi, I asked the nearest Audi dealer to let me know when one came in. Took 2nd one they had. I compared prices on Autotrader website.

My Audi is a med SUV. First automatic I’ve had. Means I don’t need use left leg at all now. Couldn’t drive for more than 1/2 hour before without being in agony. Drove for nearly an hour today and love it. No hip pain. Brilliant for getting in and out of. Audi do a variety of models. Depends on your budget.

When looking on WhatCar website about the Audi, it suggested two others makes.

They also have a video review. Same website.

I bought a Skoda Karoq new last September, it’s a mid size SUV, so it’s reasonably high, it’s roomy (I’m 5’ 11) and has a good boot size, which is important to me. As for fuel consumption, long journeys etc I honestly can’t say as with Covid, we haven’t done any, I’ve not even done 10,000 miles yet. But, I’m very happy with it.

Thank you all. Every little bit of information should help. Interested in other's opinions