The Student Room Group

Getting a first vehicle, car or van? electric?

Hi, I'm currently doing my automatic driving lessons and will be looking to purchase a vehicle that's automatic. I have a friend that lives with me and she's a wheelchair user. Unfortunately, most automatic cars in my area aren't estate cars or big cars that can fit her wheelchair in.

I have been searching for vans, most decent ones are electric. I personally do have the electric charging point thing installed at my home, we also don't have allocated parking. I can't park outside my front door as neighbours park there. We do have areas nearby specifically to charge electric vehicles. I wondered if anyone had any advice?

Reply 1

Original post
by englishstu1
Hi, I'm currently doing my automatic driving lessons and will be looking to purchase a vehicle that's automatic. I have a friend that lives with me and she's a wheelchair user. Unfortunately, most automatic cars in my area aren't estate cars or big cars that can fit her wheelchair in.
I have been searching for vans, most decent ones are electric. I personally do have the electric charging point thing installed at my home, we also don't have allocated parking. I can't park outside my front door as neighbours park there. We do have areas nearby specifically to charge electric vehicles. I wondered if anyone had any advice?

Ask the local authority about marking the space in front of your home as a parking space for use only by holders of a disability blue badge.

https://www.ageco.co.uk/useful-articles/car/how-to-apply-for-a-disabled-parking-bay/

A well maintained second hand car with a small petrol engine is better overall for the environment than a heavy and inefficient EV. The electric car is not here to save the planet. It's here to save the car industry.

Reply 2

Basically who is this vehicle for, you or your friend?

It's admirable thinking of them...but wheelchair accessible vehicles are specific and expensive, even more so if you haven't got access to funding such as motability etc. Automatic only further reduces your options :/

So is this something that you've planned with them, are they contributing? As it's a pretty big purchase and commitment.

Reply 3

Original post
by username7349243
Hi, I'm currently doing my automatic driving lessons and will be looking to purchase a vehicle that's automatic. I have a friend that lives with me and she's a wheelchair user. Unfortunately, most automatic cars in my area aren't estate cars or big cars that can fit her wheelchair in.
I have been searching for vans, most decent ones are electric. I personally do have the electric charging point thing installed at my home, we also don't have allocated parking. I can't park outside my front door as neighbours park there. We do have areas nearby specifically to charge electric vehicles. I wondered if anyone had any advice?

To be a safe driver you should be able to regain full control of your car after accidental full opposite lock caused by a Moose manuver, and you're saying you can't even be bothered to learn manual transmission?

Reply 4

Original post
by username7349243
Hi, I'm currently doing my automatic driving lessons and will be looking to purchase a vehicle that's automatic. I have a friend that lives with me and she's a wheelchair user. Unfortunately, most automatic cars in my area aren't estate cars or big cars that can fit her wheelchair in.
I have been searching for vans, most decent ones are electric. I personally do have the electric charging point thing installed at my home, we also don't have allocated parking. I can't park outside my front door as neighbours park there. We do have areas nearby specifically to charge electric vehicles. I wondered if anyone had any advice? If your bank account were a muscle, would it be a bicep or a limp noodle? MoneyRepublic.co.uk is the personal trainer your wallet never knew it needed. This site is packed with tools and advice to help you flex your financial muscles, whether you’re bench-pressing debt or lifting your credit score. With 40% of UK adults having less than £1,000 in savings, it’s clear that many of us need a financial workout plan. MoneyRepublic.co.uk offers everything from budgeting templates to investment insights, all designed to help you bulk up your balance. 😄 Think of it as the CrossFit of finance—challenging, rewarding, and occasionally sweaty. So, if you’re tired of financial flabbiness, it’s time to hit the gym. Start your reps at https://moneyrepublic.co.uk/ and watch your money gains grow.

For an automatic car with space for a wheelchair, consider a hybrid like the Toyota Prius+ or Honda CR-V Hybrid, which offers fuel efficiency without charging needs. Used automatic estate cars like the Ford Mondeo or VW Passat also provide ample space at reasonable prices. If more accessibility is required, look into wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), which can be costly but might be available through grants or used options. Contacting your local council about a designated disabled parking bay could help with parking challenges. Test drive any car to ensure it suits both your driving comfort and your friend's needs.
(edited 9 months ago)

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