Choosing a car with doors that are not too heavy
Hi. I need a new car. I've done a lot of research related to cars and arthritis but I can't find anything on my specific issue. I find car doors really heavy. My husband has an Audi and it's a bit sporty and bit low. I have a Subaru outback. Both doors feel heavy when I am getting out of the car. I don't really know where to start other than I presume a sporty low car is not a great idea. I definitely want a trunk that opens and closes automatically. And probably a small suv so I don't have to lean into a trunk. Beyond that I'm not sure where to start looking.
I think it will just come down to going into a dealership and trying them out. We have a car we love, and it is a joy to drive, but would that be OK for you? I could never say. I think you will just have to try it out and see what works. I suspect once you try a few out you will know pretty quickly what might work out. , I think Rick pretty much summed up my thoughts on this. I know many doors are manufactured a little on the heavier side for safety features. That said, I know some minivans have slightly less heavy doors, just based on the demographics of who would most likely be using a minivan (families with kids).
I do think it's just going to take some research and trial to find what works best for you. My in-laws, who are both older with serious health complications, do find their minivan to be a good option for them. But, minivans tend to be a little more expensive and finding a reasonably priced new one with lower mileage is nearly impossible.
There was some information on the best cars for people with arthritis (I'm assuming OA, not RA), but this information is UK based. Still, I found it an interesting place to start -- https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/used-cars/1901/best-cars-for-seniors-with-arthritis. Here's some US based information -- https://disabilitease.com/cars-seniors-arthritis/. Again, this may just help you find a good place to start.
I hope this helps!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.I have to agree with the other response you got, about just trying some out and see. Take a list with you to dealerships of what your wants, wishes and price point you are looking for. Always give them a price point a little less then you are willing to spend for they always try to sell you something a little more expensive (my experience). Other things you might want to take in to consideration is the seat height, if there is a back door (like a SUV) then if they have door assist (button push) then of course how and where will you be driving mostly or hauling if you travel etc...
We just bought a new vehicle last year and I wish I would have thought about that back door assist, now I know, duh on me. We chose something that was the height of our bed, slide on, slide out. Doors are good for us. The area in which we live is hilly so parking on a slant is normal, the door weight needed to be for that reason, to push and pull. Leg room of course, then accessories for any equipment you or hubby might have to use, now days its having enough USB ports LOL I have an oxygen condenser and tanks that need to travel with us at times so having room for those is a must, with out deep reaching in to a trunk as you stated. Thank goodness it's not all the time travel with the oxygen yet. We found that a small SUV or a "Cross Over" was helpful. If we would have still had medium to large size dog, we would have to had a little bigger vehicle yet. We miss our mini van though, but it did not survive a man hitting us, but it kept us safe and sound.
In the mean time while you are searching for your new vehicle. May I suggest that you or someone take a look at the hinges of the doors on your current vehicle and see if cleaning them and maybe doing a little 3-1 oil on them would be helpful to get the swing a little easier for you. Can't hurt to try or yes it could pending on whom is doing it.
Good luck!
