I want something more comfortable. At 71yo and with all my ailments, it is difficult to get in and out of the sport seats and on trips I get very uncomfortable and cramped.
When I noticed a local ad for a nice 2014 Avalon XLE Touring, it got me to thinking.
I've enjoyed the SE V6; but, I think it's time to change.
I want something more comfortable. At 71yo and with all my ailments, it is difficult to get in and out of the sport seats and on trips I get very uncomfortable and cramped.
When I noticed a local ad for a nice 2014 Avalon XLE Touring, it got me to thinking.
Describe being "cramped", eg, need more leg room, head room, butt width room, shoulder room, etc, then look for a vehicle that has more of whichever dimension you need. Typically older people find egress easier with a higher seating position. The Avalon may not offer you much of an advantage in the drivers cockpit, however if you get to sit in the rear seat for your long trips, the Avalon has a nice advantage in that area. A Highlander may offer you more space and ease of a higher up exit and entry than an Avalon. If you can justify the cost, a LS sedan may offer significantly more comfort also. No matter which you pick, leather is more slippery and will also make exits and entrances less taxing than grippy cloth. Go sit in and drive a variety of vehicles, you may surprise yourself with an excellent find.
We're in our 60s. I just bought a 2014.5 SE. My wife who has knee issues finds it challenging to get in and out so I have to help her each time. I agree with sinbad63091. My wife's vehicle is an older model Highlander and it has the "perfect" height providing easy in and out access. The ride is very comfortable and roomy inside. Not sure about the newer Highlanders as they may be a little bit taller now with the larger tires. Never thought of the leather comment but that totally makes sense.
Or a Venza as they are discontinuing them and you may be able to get a good deal. We have a 2009 Venza and I find it extremely easy to get in/out of and I'm 6' and 270 lbs with a bad back.
Depending on the extra room needed, if it is leg room the OP wants, both the RAV4 and RX 350/450 had noticeably less leg room than my wife's Camry or my Subaru, when I shopped 1.5 years ago. Both models have been replaced since, hopefully they increased the leg room for us taller guys who don't like our thighs suspended mid air when driving. Gently used LS's are out there, with a careful search one can be found for a similar price as a new loaded V6 Camry. Their owners tend to protect their investment with scheduled service and keep them garage stored, and they usually have several cars to spread their driving mileage over, making a great used car value for the lucky buyer. I forgot about the Venza, it sits up a bit higher than a sedan, although it doesn't enjoy the high ratings with consumers union reports that many other Toyota / Lexus models do.
Depending on the extra room needed, if it is leg room the OP wants, both the RAV4 and RX 350/450 had noticeably less leg room than my wife's Camry or my Subaru, when I shopped 1.5 years ago. Both models have been replaced since, hopefully they increased the leg room for us taller guys who don't like our thighs suspended mid air when driving.
My brother in law has a 2010 RX350 and @ 6'3" I feel plenty of room in it, if any it's roomier than the Camry. The 2010-15 RX has the same body, even though they made some cosmetic changes in 2013.
I'm 70 and frankly I don't notice much difference in getting in or out of my Avalon or Camry. You probably need a vehicle that is a bit higher as suggested by some.
My father is at 64, has some trouble getting in and out of cars. My mother and I decided to get him the Lexus ES. He loves it a lot, all the room in the world for him sit. The seat and steering wheel reclines back when parked so it makes it easy for him to get out. Plus its a Lexus.