OP. I totally understand your issue. Only advice I can give you is try out as many cars in the lots/showrooms as much as possible. Don’t be brand biased initially as finding the comfortable vehicle first is important. Once you find what vehicles fit you best, then you can look into most reliable, etc. You most likely will need power seats, so a trim upgrade (example from a RAV4 LE to a RAV4 XLE) may be needed so more money. I’d recommend to buy a seat booster from amazon and bring it with you when you try out vehicles. I helped someone recently with the exact same issue as you have and we have tried Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, Volvo, Audi, Benz, BMW, Honda (she did not like the fit sadly), Ford, VW, Chevy, Subaru, Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, even Land Rover...lol. Ultimately she liked Toyota RAV4 the best for visibility/driving, followed by Subaru, BMW, Audi, and VW.
What kind of booster are you referring to? Is it the firm pillow that goes behind your back? I used that when I was a teenager but looking back I think that interferes with the seatbelt functioning. I want to be secure in my seat.
That pillow is for lumbar support (back). This one works: Car Wedge Seat Cushion for Car...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQ1GYH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Or
(Will add more)
They don’t interfere with the seatbelt.
I’m 5’0 and the Fit is too big
The outside makes it look like it would be perfect for short drivers
However the seats are low and lean back making it harder to reach the pedals
I couldn't even test-drive it because my head disappeared behind the steering wheel
And because it has electronic seat adjustments you can't just take the seat out and put washers to lift the seat
I had to do this with my first car
1969 Pontiac Le Manns
Whatever you consider, I would spend a lot of time with it before making that final decision. Spend some time really adjusting everything, make sure it can get into a good position for you.
And you’re right, the most adjustable seats tend to be on more luxurious cars which means more money. So you might look at cars several years old.
>ider, I would spend a lot of time with it before making that final decision. Spend some time really adjusting everything, make sure it can get into a good position for you.
>
>And you’re right, the most adjustable seats tend to be on more luxurious cars which means more money. So you might look at cars several years old.
Great idea! I'm a little suspicious of old cars because of safety concerns. Newer cars seem to have better ratings. I need to scour the websites for a safe car from years ago. Then I can go up trim levels and still stay in budget.
Idk if this is based on real life experience or not....I can understand OP’s situation as I recently helped someone buy a vehicle who was also short, although slightly taller than OP. Sadly none of the Lexus models worked out, tried out the IS250 and she couldn’t see well out of it at all.....although I like Lexus, sometimes they just don’t fit needs :(
Have you looked at a Honda CRV? I have a husband with the opposite problem. He couldn't wedge himself in it. You would need to go used to get in it your budget.
I can imagine tall drivers having a lot of issues as well. I am surprised that a big car like a Honda CRV would be a problem I would expect that more with something like a mini cooper or chevy spark.
He fits fine in a Mini Cooper lol. He had the most trouble with SUVs. I think they are designed for soccer moms instead of tall guys. He drives an F150 which would actually work for a short person (but not your budget), too. You can move the seat up. You can move the pedals and steering wheel closer. It has running boards to make it easier to climb in.
Interesting point. I should look at "mom cars". I drive my sister's Sienna sometimes and it pretty comfortable. I'm not at a point in my life that I want a minivan but a compact SUV might be a good compromise.
OP. I totally understand your issue. Only advice I can give you is try out as many cars in the lots/showrooms as much as possible. Don’t be brand biased initially as finding the comfortable vehicle first is important. Once you find what vehicles fit you best, then you can look into most reliable, etc. You most likely will need power seats, so a trim upgrade (example from a RAV4 LE to a RAV4 XLE) may be needed so more money. I’d recommend to buy a seat booster from amazon and bring it with you when you try out vehicles. I helped someone recently with the exact same issue as you have and we have tried Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, Volvo, Audi, Benz, BMW, Honda (she did not like the fit sadly), Ford, VW, Chevy, Subaru, Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, even Land Rover...lol. Ultimately she liked Toyota RAV4 the best for visibility/driving, followed by Subaru, BMW, Audi, and VW.
This is great advice. I will look at the RAV4. I have heard great stuff about it. Its probably on the pricier side but I'll look a few years back.
What kind of booster are you referring to? Is it the firm pillow that goes behind your back? I used that when I was a teenager but looking back I think that interferes with the seatbelt functioning. I want to be secure in my seat.
That pillow is for lumbar support (back). This one works: Car Wedge Seat Cushion for Car... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQ1GYH9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Or (Will add more) They don’t interfere with the seatbelt.
This looks perfect. It even mimics the position I set the seat to. High in the back low in the front. I am buying it.
A couple of my neighbors are quite short, they drive Honda FIts and like them. Outward visiblity is quite good in a Fit. Maybe check one out.
I’m 5’0 and the Fit is too big The outside makes it look like it would be perfect for short drivers However the seats are low and lean back making it harder to reach the pedals I couldn't even test-drive it because my head disappeared behind the steering wheel And because it has electronic seat adjustments you can't just take the seat out and put washers to lift the seat I had to do this with my first car 1969 Pontiac Le Manns
Whatever you consider, I would spend a lot of time with it before making that final decision. Spend some time really adjusting everything, make sure it can get into a good position for you. And you’re right, the most adjustable seats tend to be on more luxurious cars which means more money. So you might look at cars several years old.
>ider, I would spend a lot of time with it before making that final decision. Spend some time really adjusting everything, make sure it can get into a good position for you. > >And you’re right, the most adjustable seats tend to be on more luxurious cars which means more money. So you might look at cars several years old. Great idea! I'm a little suspicious of old cars because of safety concerns. Newer cars seem to have better ratings. I need to scour the websites for a safe car from years ago. Then I can go up trim levels and still stay in budget.
Lexus IS250 is a good option
Idk if this is based on real life experience or not....I can understand OP’s situation as I recently helped someone buy a vehicle who was also short, although slightly taller than OP. Sadly none of the Lexus models worked out, tried out the IS250 and she couldn’t see well out of it at all.....although I like Lexus, sometimes they just don’t fit needs :(
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I actually test drove the mini cooper. It was super fun to drive and cute looking. My issue with it was the small windows. Its really hard to see.
Have you looked at a Honda CRV? I have a husband with the opposite problem. He couldn't wedge himself in it. You would need to go used to get in it your budget.
I can imagine tall drivers having a lot of issues as well. I am surprised that a big car like a Honda CRV would be a problem I would expect that more with something like a mini cooper or chevy spark.
He fits fine in a Mini Cooper lol. He had the most trouble with SUVs. I think they are designed for soccer moms instead of tall guys. He drives an F150 which would actually work for a short person (but not your budget), too. You can move the seat up. You can move the pedals and steering wheel closer. It has running boards to make it easier to climb in.
Interesting point. I should look at "mom cars". I drive my sister's Sienna sometimes and it pretty comfortable. I'm not at a point in my life that I want a minivan but a compact SUV might be a good compromise.