What about the Ford Flex or Kia Rondo?
What about the Ford Flex or Kia Rondo?
What about a Fiat 500?
500 is probably a good fit based on the ones I've driven, thanks for that. Now I can look at 2 dicey FCA products!
Edit: forgot to mention that we need to carry a wheelchair around. It might fit in the back of the 500. Maybe.
Honda Element?
My mother's late husband bought a Kia Soul for the same ease of in/out reasons.
OP said wanted high resale (per last line in post) and people are suggesting Fiat..LOL
Well, to be fair we've been shopping PT Cruisers so expectations are pretty low.
I always liked the HHR better than the PT Cruiser, ;us you could get it in SS form with the turbo LNF engine (probably not a consideration for the MIL). Basically a Cobalt/Pontiac G5 with higher ride height and more room.
John Welsh said:Toyota Sienna offers a factory option called the Auto Access Seat. (300 lb limit)
That is most promising! Hard to find, but promising!
mr2s2000elise said:OP said wanted high resale (per last line in post) and people are suggesting Fiat..LOL
Well, if he is looking used its probably already depreciated a ton, so resale from this point forward may be decent.
I'll give another vote for the Kia Soul.
After similar considerations that is what my parents purchased.
Massive props to John Welsh for the Sienna referral 
It turns out that only a few of them with a VIN for Auto Access seat actually have the transfer seat installed, so you have to look at the photos to make sure. 200 or so ads later we found one about 200 miles away and picked it up today from some very nice people. I think this will be perfect.
Another vote for a Kia Rondo, '07-'10. My dad has one. Big doors, easy entry height, lots of headroom. If you can find one in good nick it should fit the bill.
edit: oops...just noticed you found something else. Carry on!
Anyone mention the 1st gen Toyota Venza? Basically a tall Camry. They can be had around 10k for a decent example.
My grandparents did not like entry/exit of my 18 Fit. They are notoriously picky though.
I'll toss in another vote for the Soul. Great little runarounds.
Not sure the budget allows, but the Prius V seems to me to sit a little higher than the standard model, and would easily take a wheelchair.
Of course there is the always favorable Mazda 5.
Or a lifted Answer, just to be cheeky.
Dirtydog (Forum Supporter) said:How about the consummate elder-mobile? The Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis or Ford Crown Vic.
Yes! Something with a big bench seat in the front.
That access seat is amazing! I wish we had one for my parents.
Good job John W!
Yeah, I did good. Happy to help.
I have never witnessed one of those Siennas in action but I knew they existed. Glad to hear you could find one. There are aftermarket versions too that can be fitted to many minivans.
Yes there are. The sweet part of the Sienna is that when you find them they cost the same as regular Sienna. A new powered transfer seat looks to run about $10k, bolt-in lift about 1/2 that, so if you also need a vehicle it's a no-brainer.
Has anyone said mazda5?
paddygarcia said:Yes there are. The sweet part of the Sienna is that when you find them they cost the same as regular Sienna. A new powered transfer seat looks to run about $10k, bolt-in lift about 1/2 that, so if you also need a vehicle it's a no-brainer.
I have to assume very few people even know the Sienna seat exists, especially on the used car market. I've seen a few online where the photos don't show it as anything more than a regular Sienna. A smart dealer would make the seat down shot, the first photo.
When my MIL was sick, my wife's VW Beetle turned out to be a great car to transport her in (assuming only MIL + driver) - huge passenger door, grab handle on the dash, adjustable-height seat. If you don't have other passengers, a wheel chair fits easily in the back. They're cheap now, too...
After a short illness my MIL passed away peacefully a few days ago. The Sienna was truly wonderful for her in the time she was able to use it, so again, big props to John for bird-dogging. We'll be moving it on soon but to return the favor: if you're here and you could use a van with a power transfer seat, PM me.
In reply to paddygarcia :
I'm sorry to hear of her passing. I'm glad though the van could be helpful for the remaining time.
Heartfelt thoughts to you and your family!
In reply to John Welsh :
No exaggeration, it was game-changing for her and especially for her mindset.
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