Suggestions on new/used, sub $35K vehicle for visually impaired driver?

[CanmoreOrLess]

I am doing a bit of research for a family member who has recently lost the use of the left eye. A cornea transplant will take place in 2013, restoring some vision. She has had to take retake her licence and passed. Any experiences or advice on a good vehicle for this situation as described below? I am today going along the lines of a 2012 VW Golf Wagon, 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel Comfortline, 6-speed manual transmission. I do have concerns regarding winter warm up time (minutes from a cold start to get heat into the interior), autostart on a diesel (is it possible?), VW has a iffy quality reputation according to some, shortage of diesel fuel in the past (some stations were sold out so I am told).

- Budget $35,000, new or used.

- Daily trip into the city, 60 kms on a highway and another 15km in the city. So about 150 kms/day.

- Needs to be four doors, hatch is not a deal breaker.

- AWD might be ideal as the winter roads can be ugly some days.

- Rear view camera and a decent sized screen.

- Winter tires are a given.

- Must be able to use auto start.

Currently driving a 2002 RSX, to low, to small, too few doors, small side mirrors. Great car when bought new but things change in life.


Thanks for the suggestions.

[CMW403]

A bus pass, please.

[guessboi]

^ I would agree with a bus pass...if not...I would strongly recommand an automatic.

[tentacles]

2007 Audi S6.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/S6/MONTREAL/Quebec/5_13062672_20061013055955976/

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Dusk and dawn will be murder. I'd suggest waiting until they are comfortable driving.

HID bulbs are a must as is the heat due to defrost/fog issues.

I have a friend with poor eye sight as well, the bright headlights and not driving at low light made the biggest improvement. Still I never let him drive if I am able.

[Crks&Cstls]

I may be wrong but I thought diesels aren't that good for cold starting.

[2002civic]

Diesels wil take forever to generate heat and I would not advise getting an autostart on a VW unless it is a very reputable place as they have a tendancy to screw up the electrical/immobolizer.

[95teetee]

probably not much help, but my step-father only has one one eye- he had a Ford minivan (aerostar? windstar?).

He doesn't have any problems at all (regularly goes into Calgary) but he's been like that for many years, so he's not making any adjustments any more.

[JRSC00LUDE]

Originally posted by guessboi
^ I would agree with a bus pass...if not...I would strongly recommand an automatic.

Did you miss this part?


Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
She has had to take retake her licence and passed.

And why would you strongly recommend an automatic? Do you think she lost the use of her hands, feet and coordination you fucking retard? Should she eat dinner with a cork on her fork too in case she sticks it in her other eye? That’s honestly got to be one of the stupidest things I’ve read in awhile.....

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l147/JRSC00LUDE/steve-martin-dirty3.jpg

I’m sure that if she passed a driving test since the indicent that she has re-learned her depth perception and adjusted to the situation. With the required extra attentiveness to things she likely drives better than anyone you see rolling around with coke-bottle bottom glasses on, a riced-up civic and, half of Chinatown.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by CMW403
A bus pass, please.

Mods need to strike down these idiot posts.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by tentacles
2007 Audi S6.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/S6/MONTREAL/Quebec/5_13062672_20061013055955976/

Did I mention driving a six year old German ATM machine is not really gonna work here? Only a fool would own this POS, not even Hans the mechanic would venture into these waters.

[Xtrema]

Infinit EX35 with around view monitor.

VBGJjNr6vAE

There must be a way to hack this to run the cameras 24/7.

It's like having 4 extra eyes. :rofl:

Along with blind spot detection, you don't even need to check the driver's mirror.

But seriously, not having left eye create a giant blind spot. It's probably best if she take the bus.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Forget the bus guys, it is not in the cards for various reasons, one of which would be she obviously lives outside of a city on an acreage with no bus service. And no, moving into the city is not an option.

[Macman12]

I have a buddy that lost his eye in Afghanistan and he test drove a lot of vehicles and said that his Hyundai SUV was the best for blindspots etc. So maybe look into those?

[kvg]

I would also get her doctor to recommend a therapist that will help her learn how to scan properly with her vision impairment.

[leftwing]

I read this thread this morning, and while I was out today it popped back into my head for some reason so I tried driving with my left eye closed. The only real issue I had was not being able to shoulder check left. I could use all my mirrors fine. If it makes any difference I was driving a Chevy Blazer. I really don't think the type/style/whatever of the vehicle would make any difference vision wise.

I thought of two things that I don't think were mentioned yet.
1) Some new vehicles have "blind spot censors". I really don't know anything about how they work, I have just seen commercials.
2) Convex mirror attachements. Like the ones many large trucks use. They help with blind spot view.

[NoMoreG35]

I have convex mirrors on my mirrors, so I don't need to shoulder check. Like shoulder checking is possible in my car anyways LOL. But seriously, a person with one eye visibility should not drive...

[95teetee]

Originally posted by NoMoreG35
But seriously, a person with one eye visibility should not drive... I think we've passed that part already.

[Kg810]

For something less than $35k that has features that can help a visually impaired driver I can only think of a Volvo C30

C30
6MT
Keyless Drive
Active Dual Xenon Headlights
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Heated Front Seats
Headlight washers
Rain Sensor

$34,470

:dunno:

[Hounddog]

Originally posted by NoMoreG35
...But seriously, a person with one eye visibility should not drive...

I'm trying to see (no pun intended, haha) why someone with only one eye shouldn't drive? Can you give a reason why? Besides not having depth perception and limited peripheral vision on the blind eye, why can't they drive? You can adjust to lack of depth perception and limited peripheral vision.

If you cover your left eye with your hand, does the vision in your right eye suddenly become 50% dimmer?

BTW, not trying to be confrontational, just curious as why you think that.

Cheers mate.

[Unknown303]

Plus there are a lot of people with 2 eyes that really shouldn't be on the roads.

[Sugarphreak]

..

[89s1]

I would suggest visiting a bunch of dealers and sitting in a lot of vehicles, see which has the best view out both the front and the sides/back.


that Volvo has a lot of good, useful features that's for sure.

[ddduke]

Originally posted by NoMoreG35
I have convex mirrors on my mirrors, so I don't need to shoulder check. Like shoulder checking is possible in my car anyways LOL. But seriously, a person with one eye visibility should not drive...

This, I haven't shoulder checked in atleast 5 years and I drive over 50k km a year. good mirrors adjusted properly will be better then any car without intense blindspots.

[big A]

Originally posted by Hounddog


I'm trying to see (no pun intended, haha) why someone with only one eye shouldn't drive? Can you give a reason why? Besides not having depth perception and limited peripheral vision on the blind eye, why can't they drive? You can adjust to lack of depth perception and limited peripheral vision.

If you cover your left eye with your hand, does the vision in your right eye suddenly become 50% dimmer?

BTW, not trying to be confrontational, just curious as why you think that.

Cheers mate.

Well I can tell you why I feel that way.

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&threadid=346296

However I am arguing both sides. I had both eyes in the morning and sight in only one by supper time. So yes, depth perception is awful and peripheral vision just like you said.

There are examples while my wife is driving and she aggressively puts on the brakes and I ask her what was that for as a pedestrian steps out in front of us that I didn't see.

I decided on my own not to drive because my wife can drive me and kids anywhere we need.

I think though after a person has adjusted after a while and has passed whatever test needs to be passed, they are proven to be just as good as anyone else on the road.

I wish I could contribute to this thread by suggesting a type of vehicle but I don't have a suggestion. I will just contribute by wishing you OP and your family member good luck.

[Hounddog]

Originally posted by big A


"...Well I can tell you why I feel that way..."


"...I think though after a person has adjusted after a while and has passed whatever test needs to be passed, they are proven to be just as good as anyone else on the road....



Yes of course. That's quite an adjustment to make in short order. I followed your post - how is your eye now?

Like you said, with time, needed adjustments such as constantly scanning your blindside will become 2nd nature.

OP I think a vehicle that sits a tad higher so you can see over the roofs of cars ahead of you and when you need to pull out of a side street .

[big A]

A newer vehicle that has the beepers that get quicker as you back up when you get close to an object to help with the depth perception issue.


Originally posted by Hounddog


how is your eye now?


Thanks for your concern, I will update my original thread so as to not distract from this one anymore than already.

[CMW403]

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess


Mods need to strike down these idiot posts.

Yeah? Because I don't want any of my family members being merged into by someone who has to turn their neck 180 degrees to shoulder check on the left hand side? or maybe rear ended because your friend has no depth perception?

We don't allow drunk driving because alcohol impairs a persons motor skills. How is this any different?

I can tell you this for sure, if I lost the sight in one eye I wouldn't be driving in fear of injuring myself or anyone else on the road.

[racerjim]

Buy the car she likes and is the best deal, Both my dad and brother have only one eye, but they drive anything they want/can afford. Its not any different once you learn to adjust to it.

I'm not sure they had to adjust as it happened at birth so they both have lived with it all their lives.

[xnvy]

Originally posted by CMW403


Yeah? Because I don't want any of my family members being merged into by someone who has to turn their neck 180 degrees to shoulder check on the left hand side? or maybe rear ended because your friend has no depth perception?

We don't allow drunk driving because alcohol impairs a persons motor skills. How is this any different?

I can tell you this for sure, if I lost the sight in one eye I wouldn't be driving in fear of injuring myself or anyone else on the road. There are a lot more idiots on the road with two eyes than drivers with one eye. I can see why you worry about people with one eye, but the blindspot issue CAN be rectified or at least severely reduced with convex mirrors. In any case, one should get those blind spot warnings just as a precaution. Just out of curiosity do you know anyone that can only see out of one eye, or anyone that drives with only one eye?

[CMW403]

Originally posted by xnvy
There are a lot more idiots on the road with two eyes than drivers with one eye. I can see why you worry about people with one eye, but the blindspot issue CAN be rectified or at least severely reduced with convex mirrors. In any case, one should get those blind spot warnings just as a precaution. Just out of curiosity do you know anyone that can only see out of one eye, or anyone that drives with only one eye?

Go back and read the first sentence of the Original Post for me.

Recently losing the use of an eye and being born with the use of only one eye are two very different scenarios. I'm not a doctor, but I think I'm correct in assuming that your body would adjust while you grew up with one eye, and so would your skill at functioning without it. The person in question is said to have recently lost the use of their left eye. This means they are not used to it and their body hasn't had time to compensate.

I realize thatwe use mirrors and such so that they can shoulder check, but having recently lost their eye this would take some serious getting used to.

Try covering up an eye on Stoney trail tomorrow doing 100km/hr on the way to work/school and I don't think it will take you long to realize you have absolutely no depth perception and if the person in front of you has to slam their brakes on for a deer, there is a good chance you will be joining them in their backseat.

I'm not trying to pick on anyone here, but I am sticking to my first post in this thread. Buy her a buspass for a year or two. Give her brain a chance to adjust to regular everyday living with one eye before you go strapping her down in a 4000lb machine she will be putting people's lives in danger with.

[SKR]

Originally posted by CMW403


Go back and read the first sentence of the Original Post for me.

Recently losing the use of an eye and being born with the use of only one eye are two very different scenarios. I'm not a doctor, but I think I'm correct in assuming that your body would adjust while you grew up with one eye, and so would your skill at functioning without it. The person in question is said to have recently lost the use of their left eye. This means they are not used to it and their body hasn't had time to compensate.

I realize thatwe use mirrors and such so that they can shoulder check, but having recently lost their eye this would take some serious getting used to.

Try covering up an eye on Stoney trail tomorrow doing 100km/hr on the way to work/school and I don't think it will take you long to realize you have absolutely no depth perception and if the person in front of you has to slam their brakes on for a deer, there is a good chance you will be joining them in their backseat.

I'm not trying to pick on anyone here, but I am sticking to my first post in this thread. Buy her a buspass for a year or two. Give her brain a chance to adjust to regular everyday living with one eye before you go strapping her down in a 4000lb machine she will be putting people's lives in danger with.

Go back and read the third sentence of the OP.


Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
She has had to take retake her licence and passed.

Someone who was probably aware of her condition tested her driving ability and deemed her safe to drive. Do you think it's possible that you don't know as much about this as you think you do?

[Tomaz]

The volvo C30 was exactly what I was going to post too, but It is too small, and doesn't meet the OP's requirments. Not to mind, that car has nasty blind spots (no pun intedned), so that is something I wouldn't reccomend if trying to provide the best view.

Anything automatic I would reccomend to, just because it is just one less thing to worry about when trying to concentrate that much more on the road. I know Manual is not a deal-breaker, just making the drive more comfortable and manageable.

I live in the middle of nowhere, so I totally sympothize with owning a smaller car. Granted, it is usually fine for most of the year, but I want to own something more substantial given the conditions of country living.

I was thinking Ford Fusion, Edge, Escape, Rav 4. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart I found to have limited vision, but the mirrors seemd massive when I drove it. Mazda 3 hatch would do alright, but it wouldn't be much different than the RSX time winter comes.

Kia Optima has everything that would be required, including the back-up camera. I would seriosly look into it.

Hope this helps!

[CMW403]

Originally posted by SKR


Go back and read the third sentence of the OP.



Someone who was probably aware of her condition tested her driving ability and deemed her safe to drive. Do you think it's possible that you don't know as much about this as you think you do?

LOL

Like it has been mentioned by countless other people in this thread, there are plenty of people who are tested and pass that have no business being given a drivers license. This has nothing to do with what I know, I gave my opinion in the second post of the thread and I am expanding on it now.

Unfortunately I don't have any influence on taking away the driving privileges of anyone, but I have a chance to express my opinion and hopefully influence the OP to buy the girl a buspass instead of a car while she gets used to functioning with one eye.

Like I said, cover up one eye next time you're on the highway. Then imagine driving through downtown and paying attention to pedestrians and one ways while changing lanes and making turns.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by CMW403


LOL

Like it has been mentioned by countless other people in this thread, there are plenty of people who are tested and pass that have no business being given a drivers license. This has nothing to do with what I know, I gave my opinion in the second post of the thread and I am expanding on it now.

Unfortunately I don't have any influence on taking away the driving privileges of anyone, but I have a chance to express my opinion and hopefully influence the OP to buy the girl a buspass instead of a car while she gets used to functioning with one eye.

Like I said, cover up one eye next time you're on the highway. Then imagine driving through downtown and paying attention to pedestrians and one ways while changing lanes and making turns.

As I stated some time ago:

Forget the bus guys, it is not in the cards for various reasons, one of which would be she obviously lives outside of a city on an acreage with no bus service. And no, moving into the city is not an option.

Actually, the highway is not so much an issue, rather it is:

Within 20 feet you will not have the same level of depth perception as you did before. This means that you must be especially careful in parking, and you should avoid "tight spaces".

http://www.losteye.com/driving.htm

[dannie]

I used to have the same thoughts as those who think she should be taking the bus. I understand where your comments are coming from, but from the Government perspective, there is a little more to it.

If this person has a loss of vision in one eye, it's not like shes just handed a licence and told to carry on her merry way. There is much more to it. Each case is handled based on the federal guidelines and is assessed individually. If she has been given her licence back, its because her doctor, driver fitness and monitoring, specialists and a driver examiner have given her the green light along with conditions that are stated on her drivers licence (ie: extra mirrors and no night time driving)

If any of you are interested in a boring as fuck read..... this is the guidelines for medical conditions across the country. Visual impairment is section 2.

http://www.ccmta.ca/english/pdf/medical_standards_aug_2011.pdf


*** Now, for the OP.... honestly, it will come down to what they are comfortable in. Take them out and test drive a few cars and take it from there. She may think she wants a bigger car, but in the end wants something smaller because shes more comfortable with it.

[SKR]

Originally posted by CMW403


LOL

Like it has been mentioned by countless other people in this thread, there are plenty of people who are tested and pass that have no business being given a drivers license. This has nothing to do with what I know, I gave my opinion in the second post of the thread and I am expanding on it now.

Unfortunately I don't have any influence on taking away the driving privileges of anyone, but I have a chance to express my opinion and hopefully influence the OP to buy the girl a buspass instead of a car while she gets used to functioning with one eye.

Like I said, cover up one eye next time you're on the highway. Then imagine driving through downtown and paying attention to pedestrians and one ways while changing lanes and making turns.

It's not countless, it's three including you. Anyway, my point is, outside of this thread you don't know anything about what this person is or isn't capable of, and what testing had to be done for her to get her license back. You're not in a position to say that she can't drive if you don't know how she's affected. If she lost vision in one eye this morning and was back driving this afternoon, that would be one thing. But it's not. If she's used to it now, even if it was recently, then what's the problem?

[CanmoreOrLess]

I appreciate the recommendations for various vehicles, list of six vehicles written down and now the road tests are in place for the next two weeks.

[CMW403]

Originally posted by SKR


It's not countless, it's three including you. Anyway, my point is, outside of this thread you don't know anything about what this person is or isn't capable of, and what testing had to be done for her to get her license back. You're not in a position to say that she can't drive if you don't know how she's affected. If she lost vision in one eye this morning and was back driving this afternoon, that would be one thing. But it's not. If she's used to it now, even if it was recently, then what's the problem?

Where did I say she can't drive?

The OP asked opinions on vehicles for his recently one-eyed friend. I suggested the bus, which is a vehicle. Then I got called an idiot so I expanded on my opinion.

[Crks&Cstls]

what are the six vehicles? j/wing

[CapnCrunch]

Why does the choice of car have to be affected by her losing an eye? Am I missing something?

[clem24]

I'd say for her safety, buy a Humvee. That way she'll be safe if anything happens. For everyone elses' safety, buy a 67 Beetle and install a cushioned ramp on the front so that it can safely scoop up pedestrians just in case.

[Kg810]

Originally posted by CapnCrunch
Why does the choice of car have to be affected by her losing an eye? Am I missing something?

Hmm maybe because as a visually impaired driver who isn't exactly used to driving with a visual impairment (yet), could benefit from safety features/technology that will lessen her handicap?

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by Kg810


Hmm maybe because as a visually impaired driver who isn't exactly used to driving with a visual impairment (yet), could benefit from safety features/technology that will lessen her handicap?

Like what?

[Kg810]

Originally posted by CapnCrunch


Like what?

I don't know how much her impairment affects her, I assume that since she was able to pass her license she can technically do everything. But even if she can do everything, I think there is enough visual impairment that the OP was concerned enough to ask for suggestions tailored for a visually impaired driver.

Since I don't know how she is affected, let's just assume she has limited vision in her left eye. While taking your license exam you're in a car with a huge ass sign telling others "hey watch out I'm a fcking newbie" so you have a lot more time to carryout tasks as people are aware of you and will be cautious.

So if she has limited vision in her left eye, she will obviously struggle with tasks such as shoulder checking the left side as she'll need to turn her head more so her right eye can see. Just try squinting your left eye and perform a left hand shoulder check and see how much further you need to turn your head. You can certainly perform it but it isn't exactly practical in some cases. Merging onto Deerfoot comes to my mind, you do that and next thing you know you might rear-end some noob stopped at the merge.

So with an example like that I think having a blind-spot notification system will lessen her handicap and allow her the possibilities to drive almost as good as she used to.

Other things that she might benefit from would be parking sensors and a back-up camera.

[codetrap]

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
- Budget $35,000, new or used.

- Daily trip into the city, 60 kms on a highway and another 15km in the city. So about 150 kms/day.

- Needs to be four doors, hatch is not a deal breaker.

- AWD might be ideal as the winter roads can be ugly some days.

- Rear view camera and a decent sized screen.

- Winter tires are a given.

- Must be able to use auto start.

Currently driving a 2002 RSX, to low, to small, too few doors, small side mirrors. Great car when bought new but things change in life.


Thanks for the suggestions.

Why not look into a toyota matrix AWD?