Don’t forget mobility when you’re buying a car

Confession: I sit writing this piece having just received a new hip. I’ve lived a year with the pain of bone-on-bone wear and have been thankful I’ve got a vehicle under me that fits my needs.

Far too many consumers make the wrong choice when purchasing a new ride, either for their own needs or for another regular user in their household. We’re often too far under the influence of advertising and trends when we sign on the bottom line.

As we age and develop a host of physical and medical issues that restrict our mobility, we need to throw out the rose-coloured glasses and get an auto that we (and that means all home users) can live with comfortably and safely.

Entry and seating levels are the first barrier. Even for a healthy above-average-height driver, the step up into a full-sized SUV or pickup can be a painful stretch. Yes, running boards or sidesteps can help, but only if you choose the right ones.

The steps need to be wide enough to allow a good footgrip when approached from a regular angle. Skip those small stirrup steps, as almost all of the ones of the market don’t stick out far enough to make them visible from inside when you’re trying to step out. And they usually won’t accept much more than a size 8 sneaker when trying to supply a solid footing.

Keep in mind, if you add the right type of sidestep, it will increase the width of your vehicle, and this can take some getting used to when manoeuvring in tight spaces. You can opt for a retractable step for many makes and models, but these come with extra maintenance needs and in our climate will seldom outlast the vehicle they’re mounted on without some costs. Air suspension systems can make things easier, but usually only come with higher trim levels — and higher maintenance costs.

Crossovers and some mid-size and compact SUVS offer the best of both worlds when it comes to providing both easy access and some sport-ute capabilities. They come in a wide variety of step-in and seat heights, so trying them on for size is crucial before buying. Also, this segment doesn’t offer as much choice when it comes to modifications such as running boards or sidesteps compared to pickups, as fewer equipment makers provide custom-built steps.