QuestionHi. I've been driving my Honda Civic Hatchback 2000 since I bought it (new), and love it. It's the right size for me, is good on gas, and has enough "oomph" to be able to merge with comfort onto highways (on-ramps). The problem is, I now have fibromyalgia, which involves muscle problems, so that the steering has become difficult, often painful for me (heavy). I've gone to my Honda service centre and they tried to do whatever they could to make the steering a little easier, but there wasn't much they can do. Can you suggest a car that:
-has easier steering that takes less effort
-small
-reliable
-good on gas
-has enough oomph to be able to merge onto highways (quick 0-60), get up hills without losing too much speed, doesn't swerve too much in the wind, etc
-visibility over your right shoulder not problematic (I'm short)
-as a yardstick: my Honda is fine 0-60, manages hills (but loses probably 20kmh speed), and in the wind, it's okay.
-I looked at the Mazda3, but its zigzag drive/park/gear thing (yes, I'm a woman and don't know what it's called!)is too stiff for me to handle; that has to be smooth & easy too. I also didn't like the bright red neon-illuminated things on the dashboard (way too hard on the eyes)
-Fit: although I haven't tried it, I've heard the automatic doesn't have much guts for highway driving and commuting in a big city?
-Ford Focus and Hyundai: don't remember what I read about them that was a negative for me....but I've ended up virtually eliminating everything I can think of that's a reliable car, so I'm back to square one, to re-look at these, or see what else there is. The dealers in my area are Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Ford. Any suggestions, in general, and in particular for the steering ease? Thanks! Sorry this was so long!
AnswerNancy:
I can't really help you with the easy steering, simply because... I don't have fibromyalgia (which my aunt has by the way, horrible thing too, really sorry to hear you have it... she had some expensive surgery and it did wonders for her..) - It is hard for me to imagine what would hurt you and what wouldn't. A honda civic/accord - the honda fit - toyota camry/corrolla - and the Scion and Yaris models - are some of the best built most reliable - affordable cars on the market. All of them aren't too powerful, but only the yaris and fit models will be lower on power than your civic. An automatic will make all of them sluggish - but I doubt you want to shift gears given your condition... I really like the fit... but my personal favorite is probably the new camry..
Your best bet is go to the dealership and test drive each.. yes I know that is a very long and un-fun process... but i think it would be worth it if you didn't have to be in pain while driving. Its the only way to know which ones are easier to steer than others... If you explain to the salesman your condition and that you simply wish to find a vehicle that doesn't hurt you to drive.. they should - SHOULD - be understanding and help anyway they can.
If it helps my aunt drives a saturn VUE - although I don't reccomend those cars by any means.. perhaps a small SUV would make it easier on you? I don't see why it would, but she was happier driving the VUE than any cars she tried. Perhaps take a spin in a CRV from honda.. just to be sure.
Sorry I can't help more.. but of the models I listed: Honda Accord/Civic, Toyota Corolla/Camry, Scion xA,xB,tC, Toyota Yaris, Honda fit - You really can't go wrong. The power will be lacking in the fit and yaris.. but if they are more comfortible to you - it may be a small sacrifice...
I haven't personally driven all of those models, and what is easy for me to steer may make you suffer worse than all other models - its too hard to say without me having your condition. Your best bet is to explain your situation and test drive each one that interests you...
Good luck... and if you have any other questions feel free to ask...
