New member

[Summer 52]

Hi all
New member to this forum.
Still running a Ford cmax 2008 with only 67000 miles on it.
Keep looking at Dacia models.
I need the height of the cmax for easy access in and out.
Wife like myself have used automatic boxes for years.
I know at some point I'll probably find rising maintenance bills or major MOT failure will require changing vehicle.
We only do a max of 5000 miles per year.
What Dacia models would meet our needs.
Many thanks.

[OldBear]

Hi Summer 52,


None of the Dacia range can be classed as low slung as in seats just off the ground for getting in and out of. There are plenty of mature owners on this forum driving the Sandero model, if you need a little bit more height there's the Sandero Stepway variation. I drive the Duster model, I'm 6'2" (on a good day), when I go to get in the car I can stand next to the car and the seat is perfect for me to sit on without having to bend down at all - surprised me as I have nearly always had low cars. But if you don't need all the luggage/load area then the Sandero Stepway may well fit the bill. Auto transmission is available as well.

It's certainly worth a visit to the showroom and trying them whether new or used to see how you get on.

OldBear

[awbuggrit]

summer 52. We have a 22 reg Sandero and I'm nearer 80 than 70 and I have absolutely no trouble with entering and exiting our car. Coming from a Meriva which was quite high that was one of questions. The best thing of course is to go and sit in the models which appeal to you and 'try them out for size'. You are obviously a person of taste and discernment and would be a very welcome member of the Dacia fraternity

[Nessi]

For the miles you do a petrol would suffice,, The 1.0ltr turbo petrol is a capable engine for those that dont want to race off from junctions and roundabouts.
What model that will be down to which feels best for you to get in and out of, as others have said go to a dealers and try them out, boot test drives they are free.
Going from a C-Max look at the Stepway that is 40mm higher than the Sandero, then from there you can try the Sandero if you find the Stepway high enougth or the Duster is the Stepway feels too low.

[Summer 52]

Hi all
Many thanks for the welcome.
I realise it's best to sit in a car to try access at our age (60's).
I've had literally every type of vehicle since I was 18.
Used to have many motor trader friends back then.
I'd driven everything from my first HB Viva through to owning a Daimler V12 and many of the old US motors.
A car to me these days is practical in getting from A to B in comfort.
Are the auto boxes fairly well made?
I'm used to the old type automatic which is rare now.
It seems to be CVT, DSG and more.

Dave

[OldBear]

Sounds like you have owned and driven some pretty interesting cars Summer 52!

I remember the Viva HB, I drove the van version before the company I worked for upgraded, nothing like the car but it had a decent 4 speed gear shift I recall. I've owned a few nippy cars over the years, but sadly never owned or driven a muscle car. Like you though I grew up in the end and now enjoy a smoother but still progressive driving style these days. Comfort and practicality have become more important than outright performance and handling - must be an age thing

I can't anwser your question on the auto transmission sadly, I too drove older style auto's, I only owned two and decided they weren't really what I enjoyed the most. They are more relaxing to drive in heavy traffic I will admit, I would have loved one when I was a service engineer many years ago with the amount of city driving I had to endure.