Is the Ford Kuga suitable for an older driver?

Ford Kuga Zetec 2.0 TDCi 136 4x4. Year 2010. Price €20,995. Mileage 21,000. Is this a good car for a 75-year old man with arthritis? Currently has difficulty getting into his 1007 Volvo S40 (mileage 70,000). Any idea what he should pay for this car in exchange for Volvo?

Thank you for your help

Marietta Lyons (Ennis)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Marietta,

I wouldn't like to pronounce absolutely on whether the Kuga is suitable for an elderly driver with arthritis.  Generally, Ford is very good at designing cars for elderly drivers, and was one of the first car companies to take limited joint mobility into account when designing the interior and access points. It would of course depend on which parts of the body your dad has the arthritis in, and how much it's restricting his mobility. I wouldn't be medically qualified to pass judgement on that.

Off the top of my head though, I would suggest that the Kuga might actually be a bit too tall, and require an up-and-in motion that may not be any easier than the down-and-in of the S40. I would have throught that a Ford C-Max, which is more between the heights of the Focus and the Kuga, would be a better bet. Easier to slide straight into. Worth a look anyway.

If you're trading in the S40, I'd reckon you should be getting offers of around €9,000 to €10,000, depending on the condition, history and which engine it's got.

Come back to us if you need more help.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe