Car for Seniors?

I also have parents in their late 70s. They need a new car. One that is not too big to park and one that has the gear shift on the steering column (they have arthritis and find the floor gear shifts to hard to shift). I also would like it to be safe. Any ideas?

not many cars have column shifts anymore. I'd look for a slightly used Ford Taurus

Thanks! I will look at the Taurus.

Chevy Impala

Buick made the Century up to 2005 and it is an excellent car for elderly folk. It has the column shift and high crash ratings in a mid-sized package. Dual climate control comes in handy and you can get them fully loaded with all the beeps and bells.


http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/buick_century_sedan_2005/14824/style_photos.html;_ylt=AtXv5ixfKqV48U6wVW2pIj7FfME F

Toyota Avalon. It would be one of the most comfortable cars out there.

I'll second the Toyota Avalon as being a great old people's car. If they're of the "Buy American" mindset (even though it's not clear what's made where anymore and most foreign cars are built by Americans) I'd recommend anything Buick makes. My parents bought a LeSabre a few years ago and they think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. The Buick 3.8L V6 is one of the greatest engines (not just American, but any) ever built and it doesn't get a lot of press because of the cars it's found in. My parents' Le Sabre gets 30mpg on the highway which is incredible for such a big car, it's got more than enough power, and in the 100,000 miles they've driven it they haven't had a single mechanical problem.

I'll second the comments on the Buicks and Chevy Impala, and add the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Marquis. My mother-in-law has severe arthritis and we found her a Marquis, and she has no problems getting in/out of it.It is also easy to park and navigate the roads. Some of the Cadillacs are also good cars for seniors, but if you can't find any within their budget, a Buick is just as good, if not better.