Car for someone with visual impairment?

[Shiloh]

Hey all, I've got a question for the all-famous ZS gearheads. In a nutshell, here's a quick backstory on this post: I've been visually disabled since birth, with almost no vision in my right eye, and about 20/50 in the left. After some tests by my doctor, he said I was well within the criteria for a limited driver's license and gave the DMV the go-ahead. So next week I head out to get my learner's permit and eventually onto a license.

But obviously, my limited vision is obviously an issue when driving. I'm looking at cars, and although that's still quite a ways away, I'm starting to think about what makes/models would fit my needs. Here are some of the things I'm looking for.

-As much visibility as possible. Obviously, it's up to me to keep my head up and on a swivel, but the more glass/space I have to see out of, the better.

-Good view out of the rear window, as well as mirrors. I'm getting a rearview mirror that goes all the way across the top of the windshield, but I'd also like to have more of a view out of the back for reverse and checking traffic.

-Good brakes and smooth acceleration. I don't need POWER (/JeremyClarkson voice) but getting consistent reactions from the vehicle is important for me.

So what do you guys recommend? I'm utterly hopeless when it comes to car knowledge, since I didn't even think I'd get to drive one until a few months ago.

Thanks!

[Vicarious_Lee]

Depending on how bad of shape it's in, a 1980's BMW 3-series coupe has an big greenhouse and small pillars.

The problem with modern cars is that the A, B, and C pillars have thickened up like exponentially, and the greenhouses seem to have shrunk.

I know the now defunct Ford 500 advertised a higher than normal roofline and "command" seating position that was supposed to mimic a better view like an SUV.

What's your budget?

[majorhavoc]

A minivan tends to have an elevated seating position, lots of visibiltiy all around and tons of crash safety features. And, being a larger car, makes you that much more visible to other drivers and puts some mass between you and the other vehicle if you do get in an accident. Good luck.

[Tater Raider]

The longer the vehicle the less view you have out the back, so compact crossover SUV (not a compact SUV - Jeeps have not much for rear visibility), compact pickup, or a minivan would be my personal choices.

[MFCory]

I had an 86 jeep Cherokee it had a lot of visibility and u sat higher up. I think it was the best vehicle I've ever had for me an my family. Heres some pics it has huge rear side Windows and not a lot of blind spots.

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[Dawgboy]

For visibility and reliability, get a Honda Fit... You can pick them up fairly cheap for almost new.

If you cannot afford new, look for a 99-04 Honda Civic sedan. Not the coupe. The sedan has great rear visibility...

BTW, I also have vision issues with a Cornea transplant in 1 eye. Love my Honda's too I have walked away from 2 bad accidents caused by other people not paying attention.

[KJ4VOV]

Laugh if you want, but I'd say find yourself a late 70's AMC Pacer. Unreal visibility and with engines up to a peppy 5.0L plenty of zip when you need it.

[dukman]

Big vehicles may give you more cushion in the event of an accident, but it also gives you less room on the road to make an error. I would recommend a small pickup. It wouldn't be hard to put "trucker" mirrors on the doors and they wouldn't look as goofball as if they were on a civic. The blind spots usually are not terrible except some of the newer extended cabs with the mini-doors.

[Shiloh]

Thanks guys. I'd actually been considering a small pickup for a while, considering the fact that the rear window is literally a few feet behind me, and it's basically one solid piece of glass.

Tater Raider: So you wouldn't recommend something like a jeep Wrangler, then? I had been looking into them previously, mostly because I like the idea of having more mass up front and not much to worry about behind, which means less for me to watch out for when backing up. Thoughts?

Vicarious_Lee: I'm hoping to stay under $7000 if at all possible, considering the fact I'm a high-school senior still living at home and with limited funds. $8500 would be about the absolute limit, but only if I'm confident in the vehicle.

[majorhavoc]

considering the fact I'm a high-school senior still living at home and with limited funds. $8500 would be about the absolute limit, but only if I'm confident in the vehicle.

Now he tells us he's a highschooler. I can't believe I recommended a minivan to a highschooler. That's just so wrong I feel dirty.

Shiloh: Honda CRV or Subaru Forester.

[Shiloh]

considering the fact I'm a high-school senior still living at home and with limited funds. $8500 would be about the absolute limit, but only if I'm confident in the vehicle.

Now he tells us he's a highschooler. I can't believe I recommended a minivan to a highschooler. That's just so wrong I feel dirty.

Shiloh: Honda CRV or Subaru Forester.

It's all good. Believe me, if you saw some of the cars in our school parking lot, a minivan would look like the mona lisa.

ETA: I've actually driven a bit on private roads with our family CRV. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't too thrilled. Positioning of the seats made looking out the windows a little awkward, and the back window seemed like it was the size of a postage stamp.

[MFCory]

I only paid $800 for my 86 jeep which was previously pictured and that is the way it came and didn't give me any problems. Just sold it for a mustang and trans am but wish i still had it but that is still my recommendation

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[Tater Raider]

Tater Raider: So you wouldn't recommend something like a jeep Wrangler, then? I had been looking into them previously, mostly because I like the idea of having more mass up front and not much to worry about behind, which means less for me to watch out for when backing up. Thoughts?

I own an '11 JK and don't recommend them to anyone except folk like me who just gotta have them in spite of logic. As far as vehicle safety on them goes, ask Braxton - I know he has not nice things to say on them based on his experience as a tow truck driver, and that's part of why I say careful on a CJ or Wrangler.

Visibility-wise they are tough to beat with one exception. Because of how high they sit (mine's a stock Rubicon on 32" tires) you can park a car right up on the rear bumper and if the seat is lowered (height adjustable on mine) I have to be very careful backing up. The side mirrors are large and if you know how to use them propery this really isn't much of an issue but you wanted visibility.

I have some issues with Dusty overall but the fact is I love that Jeep; however, I won't recommend them unless off-roading is your #1 priority and the individual has other considerations or, like me, they've wanted one for a great many years and just have to have it. If the off-road aspect is something you personally have to have, the FJ is as capable and more reliable but has visibility issues larger than the Wrangler's so I'd say go Jeep - if you gotta have the off-road capabilities. Just be ready to wrench on it because reliability can be an issue and once the mod bug bites it will devour your soul and wallet both. I've had mine about 16-17 months and have easily dropped $3,000 in her to solve storage space issues (the other problem with a Wrangler 2 dr) and increase her BOV capabilities to suit my situation.

TL;DR version: I don't recommend them but my son might sell it after my memorial service. I plan to drive that truck to my grave. Yes, Jeepers are an odd bunch.

[JesterODX]

one car company to look into is Subaru. Their pillars tend to be thinner giving less blind spots.

[Coal-Cracker]

...
I have some issues with Dusty overall but the fact is I love that Jeep; however, I won't recommend them unless off-roading is your #1 priority and the individual has other considerations or, like me, they've wanted one for a great many years and just have to have it. If the off-road aspect is something you personally have to have, the FJ is as capable and more reliable but has visibility issues larger than the Wrangler's so I'd say go Jeep - if you gotta have the off-road capabilities. Just be ready to wrench on it because reliability can be an issue and once the mod bug bites it will devour your soul and wallet both. I've had mine about 16-17 months and have easily dropped $3,000 in her to solve storage space issues (the other problem with a Wrangler 2 dr) and increase her BOV capabilities to suit my situation.

...

I'm gonna have to agree with Tater for the most part. Jeeps certainly aren't for everyone. If Offroading is a priority, an off-the-showroom-floor Wrangler Rubicon can't be matched (to include the soon to be discontinued FJ. ) On road manners have certainly improved with the JK ('07 and newer), and is an improvement over the TJ (and vastly over the older YJ and CJ) it still doesn't have the "nice ride" many have become accustomed to with their comfy IFS SUVs. (Incidentally, Jeep invented the IFS for an offroad vehicle way back in 1962 [Wagoneer as an option], go figure.)

The Jeep Wrangler is a purpose built vehicle that has always delivered for what it was intended. I stress the "purpose built." The offroad trails and trials are populated disproportionately by Wranglers (and other Jeep vehicles) and there is a reason for that.

Tater is also absolutely correct about the "mod bug." The amount of aftermarket support for Wranglers is amazing. Just kiss your bank account goodbye. I've sunk close to $4000 in making my JK even more trail capable.

Reality is, if unmatched offroad capability isn't anywhere near a priority for you, there are cheaper options.

Don't misinterpret this as me trying to dissuade you from buying a Wrangler, if you still decide on one, make sure you post pics.

[Braticus Caticus]

First Generation Scion XB, I have a 2006 as a DD.

[KJ4VOV]

First Generation Scion XB, I have a 2006 as a DD.

Those are really vehicles? I always thought they were just the shipping containers for Mini Coopers...

[Shiloh]

First Generation Scion XB, I have a 2006 as a DD.

Those are really vehicles? I always thought they were just the shipping containers for Mini Coopers...

Awesome.

I just noticed today that someone at school has a Suburu Forester 4wd. It definitely looked like a solid choice, at least from my perspective.

[Tommy Tinker]

This has slightly better visibility than the old Geo Metro hatchback I used to have.