Recommended Vehicle Fuel Type for 73yr Old Pensioner

Daniel Plainview on 15/01/2025 - 13:28
Last edited 15/01/2025 - 15:36 by 1 other user

Hi all, I am trying to convince my 73yr old mother of the merits of getting a certain type of vehicle, which she is currently rather resistant to. Hence, I'm hoping to leverage the expertise of folks here as to their opinion given the variables applicable to determining which type of fuel type vehicle she should lean towards.

Relevant factors:

  • Age 73yr, still very capable driver
  • Driving sub-10,000km per annum the vast majority of which are urban (sub 20km round trip)
  • Only needs smaller car (no towing, many passengers, bulk carrying etc)
  • Has ~9kW solar system on roof, on average exporting 75%+ of power back into grid @7c/kW
  • Looking to spend up to $30k on right car, leaning towards 2-4yr old low mileage 2nd hand.

I am not placing up my opinion (as don't want to influence the opinion of others).

I would welcome in the comments constructive feedback supporting your recommendation, as I will be showing this to her as oddly it seems my credibility is somewhat lesser than total strangers at times - lol the joys of assisting older parents.

Thank you in advance for your opinion & thoughts. :-)

Poll Options

  • 248
    Electric powered vehicle
  • 37
    Hybrid powered vehicle
  • 197
    Internal combustion powered vehicle
  • 25
    I just want to see the poll results
Automotive Car Electric Vehicle

closed Comments

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 15:38
      +6

      Needs to get Mum on full pension so when he puts her in subsidised state health care it won't eat into his property portfolio via bequeaths. Battler family

  • crentist on 15/01/2025 - 14:12
    +1

    If she can plug in at home and EV can be very convenient, but she might struggle to develop that habit and end up with low batteries now and then.
    I've had a diesel for a few years and still get paranoid with each fill-up or when someone borrows the car, because it would be so damn easy to forget for a second and grab the wrong hose because that's familiar.

    And you probably don't want to get blamed every time she brings in the groceries and can't leave the house the next day.

    • prodrome on 15/01/2025 - 14:42
      +1

      This is why I recommend the GMC Sierra 3500 HD.

      https://www.performaxint.com.au/showroom/gmc/gmc-sierra-3500…

    • bbinc on 16/01/2025 - 09:23
      +2

      A few older folks I’ve known have no trouble keeping their electric powered 4 wheel scooters charged, especially after the first time it goes flat.

    • Daniel Plainview on 18/01/2025 - 14:20
      +1

      @crentist

      As a diesel driver myself (living rural) you should get one of those mods you place on your fuel tank's inlet, which only allows a diesel hose in, not a petrol one - very easy to fit - cost about $20-30. I had one on & works very well. Misfueling is very easily done, major issue for diesel drivers.

      That said not sure how you'd see her having no juice in her battery? She exports 75%+ of her power back into the grid for 7c/kW. So plugging in after any short trips would easily top her back up.

      I'd be astonished if she was every even down to 50% even in her busiest days.

  • Bruceflix on 15/01/2025 - 15:06

    My 70s parents just got a Pajero for the towing capacity. I think its diesel.

  • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 15:38
    +1

    Cybertruck or RAM

  • JDMcarfan on 15/01/2025 - 15:52
    +8

    Ensure. Sustagen is lower octane crap

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 16:03
      -1

      This^

    • tenpercent on 15/01/2025 - 16:08

      Well done sir
      https://you-win-the-internet.com/n/@JDMcarfan

    • JDMcarfan on 15/01/2025 - 17:29
      +4

      in all seriousness, Yaris Cross Hybrid?

      Best depreciation in the short or long-term
      Outstanding fuel economy
      Its a Toyota
      Reliability will be better than any alternative for a brand new car
      tried and tested hybrid system
      its tiny but elevated off the ground, so has good visibility
      a plus point for your situation - theyve become expensive for what they are so will bring down mum's net asset position a fair bit

      • PinzVidz on 16/01/2025 - 12:06

        ^This is the way.

  • GordonD on 15/01/2025 - 16:03
    +6

    Another thread from someone trying to run their elderly parent's life!

    Leave her alone.

    Show her her choices, suggest the relative benefits and disadvantages. Let her make her own decision.

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 16:04
      -1

      Competing with siblings is a serious business.

  • tenpercent on 15/01/2025 - 16:15
    +4

    Leaded petrol so she can reminisce about the old days.

    • JIMB0 on 15/01/2025 - 20:46
      +1

      And a crank handle for cold mornings when the battery is a bit low.

  • Euphemistic on 15/01/2025 - 16:44
    +2

    BYD dolphin has just been announced as coming in under $30k (plus on roads). Small, hatch.

    BUT… its big step to go EV without buy in from mum. She needs to lead the way to an EV and not get pushed there.

    Otherwise, buy a 2-3 yo toyota.

  • klaw81 on 15/01/2025 - 17:11
    +4

    My mum is a similar age and capability, and she does pretty well with tech, but I don't think I could persuade her that an EV would be a good choice. There's definitely a bit of a learning curve involved with switching to an EV, particularly relating to keeping it charged and using the occasional public EV charger. Unless your mum is genuinely enthusiastic about the idea, there's no point pushing her into it.

    Having said that, there's absolutely no reason to avoid a hybrid. There's very little downside to getting one, if it's a reasonably new car and has a good service history.

    I'd probably recommend a 2-4 year old Corolla Hybrid. It drives exactly like her old car, there's nothing new to learn but she'll get great fuel economy, excellent reliability and all the safety features you could want.

    • MS Paint on 15/01/2025 - 17:53
      +2

      OP stated…..

      I will be showing this to her as oddly it seems my credibility is somewhat lesser than total strangers at times

      I can hear the phone call now..

      Hi mum, it's Daniel your favourite son

      Hi Danielson, btw you're not my fav (cut off mid sentence)

      Anyways, I posted on an EV centric forum today about your situation with regards to your car. It would appear that a Corolla hybrid would be the most suitable but what would they know. I've booked an appointment at BYD for you to test drive their new EV on Friday so you'll have to cancel bingo.

  • apple2016 on 15/01/2025 - 17:24
    -3

    A reliable ICE car is only about $30k. you wont find a reliable EV for less than double that

    • klaw81 on 15/01/2025 - 17:34
      -1

      you wont find a reliable EV for less than double that

      I can't imagine which EV you consider to be the bare minimum for "reliable."

      Are you using "not made in China" as the yardstick?

      • apple2016 on 16/01/2025 - 07:56
        +1

        A Hundai i30/ Subaru Impreza or Toyota Corolla are all about $35k. Now show me a few ev with similar size / features and comparable reputation for reliability…

        • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 08:33
          +4

          I wouldn't even hesitate to recommend the MG4 as an excellent alternative to a Corolla or i30 for a similar price, and similar features.

          EVs are inherently more reliable than any ICE simply through having fewer moving parts and almost zero maintenance requirements.

          The 10 warranty gives me plenty of assurance too.

          • apple2016 on 16/01/2025 - 10:44

            @klaw81: The 10 yr warranty is only on paper. MG certainly does not have the same reputation as Toyota for reliability.
            Also in vic mg4 drive away price is $41k vs $36k for the entry level models.
            5k worth of petrol even at $2 a litre will give you at least 30,000 kms. I don’t see any reason to choose MG over Corolla.

            EVs are inherently more reliable than any ICE simply through having fewer moving parts

            While you are correct about “fewer moving part” , I don’t trust the software that replaces the mechanical parts in the ev. Reliability is still questionable

            • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 12:25
              +8

              @apple2016:

              The 10 yr warranty is only on paper.

              Do you have any evidence that MG is denying warranty claims or otherwise trying to circumvent their obligations to customers? If not, this is just vibes.

              MG certainly does not have the same reputation as Toyota for reliability.

              Reputation is one thing, performance is another. I have no concerns about the reliability of the Corolla specifically, but the mutterings about some of Toyota's other models are definitely getting louder.

              Also in vic mg4 drive away price is $41k vs $36k for the entry level models.

              So get the entry level one. The only thing you really miss out on is extra range, which is not required for this application.

              I don’t trust the software that replaces the mechanical parts in the ev.

              Be specific - which mechanical parts in the Corolla are replaced by software in the MG?

              It's not a matter of software vs hardware control, but parts that simply aren't required for an EV since it's a much more simple machine in general. There's no engine with all its intricate moving parts, just a motor. There's no gearbox, just a direct drive to the differential. There's no power steering pump, just an electric drive on the steering column. There's no oil that needs changing, no oil filters or fuel filters that need replacing, no timing chains, no belt drives, no idler bearings to wear out etc.

              Also, the Corolla is heavily electronically controlled, especially the hybrid models.

              Reliability is still questionable

              In your mind, perhaps. But you lack any kind of evidence to justify that opinion.

              In any case, your claim that you need to spend twice as much to get the same level of quality is clearly false.

              Having said all of that, I have still recommended a hybrid Corolla to the OP because IMO few elderly ladies want to learn how to deal with EV charging at their stage of life.

              • sakurashu on 18/01/2025 - 16:02

                @klaw81: Batteries are and always have been the major issue with EVs and even though they have gotten significantly better you're still dealing with degradation and lifespans for expensive replacements.

                Someone online reported almost a 3percent degradation in the first 6 months with an mg4

                • donm on 18/01/2025 - 16:55

                  @sakurashu: Yep, there's some degradation early on in the vehicle life, but then it steadies out.

                • klaw81 on 18/01/2025 - 23:45
                  +2

                  @sakurashu:

                  even though they have gotten significantly better you're still dealing with degradation and lifespans for expensive replacements

                  No more than applies to ICE engines, transmissions and drivetrains, and yet we all accept that risk.

                  A bit of battery degradation in the first few months of use is relatively common, but then slows down considerably. Modern EV batteries are expected to last well beyond 300,000km.

    • Save Medicare on 16/01/2025 - 05:25
      +5

      BYD dolphin starts at 30k

    • Euphemistic on 16/01/2025 - 07:54
      +4

      There are several models of EV closer to $30k than $60k. They are equally reliable to equivalent ICE vehicles, perhaps more reliable because the drivetrain is less complex.

    • hopper on 16/01/2025 - 15:42
      +1

      i think OP is ok with second hand, so i guess a good should be under 30k

  • Qazxswec on 15/01/2025 - 17:31
    +4

    you have already skewed the votes, you are obviously trying to push her towards an EV, the fact that you mention her solar system shows that

    • Save 50 Cent on 16/01/2025 - 07:51
      +6

      But isn’t having solar very relevant to the discussion and decision? Otherwise everyone would have dragged OP for not mentioning important information.

      • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:12
        +2

        Exactly……ya can't win with some folks, state it - you're tilting the feedback, don't state and you're omitting obviously relevant info. Suffice to say I can thankfully discern the dills from the thinkers.

    • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:20
      +3

      LOL so I should have omitted that info ? As not relevant? In and of itself stating she has PV panels does not skew the votes. Its a literal fact she does. Skewing it would have been to NOT state it.

    • Daniel Plainview on 21/01/2025 - 10:31

      @Qazxswec

      So by your stated 'logic' if she had a PV system and I deliberately didn't state it - would that not skew the votes? i.e you don't think it's relevant & omitting it from even being mentioned is more impartial.

      Can you explain how that makes sense?

      • Qazxswec on 21/01/2025 - 10:37

        you have now asked me twice so you must want a response from me, my comment was really more about the fact that you said you wouldnt say your opinion, but still made it clear what your opinion was, of course you should state all the facts, my comment was more about the fact that if you are going to basically tell us your opinion, you should just tell us your opinion

  • shaybisc on 15/01/2025 - 18:08

    Why is she resistant?

    • Euphemistic on 16/01/2025 - 07:58

      Does not have current experience with potential charge practices. Her battery of emotions is comfusing the issue and conducting further reaearch will reduce resistance.

    • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:15

      She's just in that 'if I don't understand it, it's too hard' phase - which I get, but I have walked her through a bunch of stuff before all of which she now loves e.g electronic readers, smart phones, smart TV etc.

      At the end of the day she always gets final say. If left to her own devices things like what happened with her bank account happens - which was she thought she was getting 5% - but upon checking she was for the past year getting 2.35%.

      Hence in a few clicks I got her 5% via same bank - and am arranging to have most excess cash put back into her super where it is tax free and getting better returns.

  • Hardlyworkin on 15/01/2025 - 18:23
    +2

    Something that is cheap to fix minor fender benders… Based on my elderly grandmother who was a VIP customer at the local smash repairs.

    • Protractor on 15/01/2025 - 18:33
      +2

      Dodge RAM,bullbar and scrub bars. Dixie horn

  • AndyC1 on 15/01/2025 - 18:42
    +2

    As per the heading "Recommended Vehicle Fuel Type" is recommend fuel that powers the vehicle.

    As for recommending a vehicle. What are other people her age driving and what do they think about their cars? I would think a 5 to 8 year old Toyota Yarris or similar size car would be the best bet.

    Electric vehicles would probably be a pain for her to get fixed and the insurance cost……If she does not have a battery then I would not expect the panels to be much use as she will be driving in the day time.

  • S2 on 16/01/2025 - 04:38
    +7

    Plot twist, OP's mum really wants an EV and they're trying to get her to stick with ICE.

  • mike6969 on 16/01/2025 - 07:41
    +3

    Supercharged V8

  • Speckled Jim on 16/01/2025 - 07:56
    +2

    She may not want to adapt after a lifetime of ICE familiarity. For her use case (all the circumstances you listed) an EV probably makes the most logical sense, and if she were open to the idea it could be one of those late-in-life revelations.
    Like my wife, who recently discovered the wonders of olive oil, but I digress.

    The best answer is: "whatever she's most comfortable with."

  • lanjiao on 16/01/2025 - 07:57
    +4

    Test drive them? Maybe after driving it she'll prefer one over the other

    There's such a minimal learning curve to driving an EV it's sorta insulting reading the comments that a 73year old won't be able to deal with one

    On the other hand ICE would be fine too

    If she stays well then she could be driving for another 10+ years (may have to adapt to ev anyway..)

    • Euphemistic on 16/01/2025 - 08:08
      +1

      There's such a minimal learning curve to driving an EV it's sorta insulting reading the comments that a 73year old won't be able to deal with one

      It really depends on the individual. Some in their later years just dont like, or cant cope with, change. Others are happy to adapt to new tech and relish the change.

      As you point out, there isnt much different about driving an EV. The major difference will be pougging it innto charge and walk away vs going to a servo to fill up.

      Potential benefit from choosing an EV over ICE is highly linked to wether said person engages with right leaning politics and the associaated misinformation spread.

    • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 08:41
      +2

      There's such a minimal learning curve to driving an EV it's sorta insulting reading the comments that a 73year old won't be able to deal with one

      I wouldn't concerned about the actual driving experience at all. It's the charging that would give me pause.

      Home charging is easy enough. But my mum (who is about the same age) would probably struggle with the public charging process - finding chargers is more difficult than finding a servo, using the correct app for the particular charging station, and the annoyingly inconsistent and overly complicated process of making sure charging is actually happening. It's a lot of new stuff to learn, in a setting where getting assistance is rarely an option.

      I know my mum would be totally up to the challenge, but I also suspect I'd get a few phone calls at random times when she got stuck…..it's much easier to simply stick with the system she already knows.

      • donm on 18/01/2025 - 13:23
        +1

        Yes, it would be great if there were one app that could be used across public fast chargers providers. They should also accept credit card payments.

        One other thing to consider at public fast chargers is that the cables can be quite thick and heavy. It can take a bit of hand strength to attach and detach the charger.

        If only travelling locally, an EV is much easier than an ICE vehicle. Just plug it in every now and then at home to top it up.

    • CaptainJack on 16/01/2025 - 08:58

      The premise that the 73 yr old can't decide for herself what type of vehicle she'd like to drive seems as insulting.

      • Protractor on 16/01/2025 - 10:19

        Sign here, and here Mum.

    • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:16
      +1

      100% agree - this is all I have asked of her, "Have open mind, test drive a few diferent cars, go with what suits you best". She gets most of her info from FB and believes EV's are goign to burn down your house and require a degree to know how to use.

      As i said to her - for her needs it's just the same approach as with her smart phone but with the car. Very little else to know.

  • Showmethebargains on 16/01/2025 - 08:23
    +3

    My parents are in their late 70’s. They recently bought a Suzuki Swift and absolutely love it. It is easy to drive, simple to park and is quite fuel efficient. They also have solar panels and export much of their power so did investigate EV’s but decided against them.
    My sister and I had no input whatsoever into their car research and eventual purchase. They are adults and are quite capable of making their own decisions.

  • Lastchancetosee on 16/01/2025 - 08:31
    +2

    From the title alone I'd suggest high protein, plenty of fruit and vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

  • ConsumerAffairs on 16/01/2025 - 09:16

    Get a Honda so we know to drive very cautiously around her

  • 82norm on 16/01/2025 - 09:36
    +1

    BYD Dolphin due to price drop, but will still be over 30k by the time u add on ORC and insurance. Mum can hand it down to u when she no longer drives.

  • SlickMick on 16/01/2025 - 10:06
    +1

    I wonder if OP will still be showing this to his mum, seeing as how it clearly hasn't gone as he'd hoped.

  • Alexxx on 16/01/2025 - 10:51
    +2

    Don't worry about what type of car.
    Get them out to test drive a few cars and see what they like.
    You don't want them calling you all the time asking how to change the side mirrors, or why the car beeps, or why the radio isn't working, and all the rest.

  • cloudy on 16/01/2025 - 10:57

    Let’s start with the two fuel types, petrol has only gone up and up and up. And likely to continue this trend, your feed in tariff is going down and down, so the likely cost of charging is falling as the opportunity cost of feeding to the grid is decreasing.

    I’d say she’s going to be financially better off with an EV but it’s a close call, and likely depends on how long she will drive it for, my guesstimate is 7-10 years, anything more and EV wins and anything less and ICE wins.

  • Devastator0 on 16/01/2025 - 12:25
    +3

    Gotta watch out with the oldies though and new vehicles. My grandparents asked me about this semi recently and the grandfather said he was interested in buying an EV to replace his 1994 Nissan Bluebird. The moment he said this, I just told him no as the jump in technology and operation of new vehicles, combined with the need to be proficient in the use of a smart phone, apps etc to do charging at charge points, they wouldn't be able to handle it. They can barely use the dumb phone I got for them when they said they needed a mobile for "emergencies".

    I have a 2023 Hyundai i30N and my grandparents had a look at it when I got it and just with sitting in it and looking at the head unit etc they said it's too complicated for them. So judging by what you've said in your post, I'm going to imagine your Mum is pretty stubborn and wouldn't have the flexibility to adapt to new stuff. If your mum has an existing vehicle, just have them maintain and service it regularly until they are no longer able to drive.

    • Flutterby on 16/01/2025 - 13:00

      Get them a Tesla. :) the one without an indicator stalk.

      • ConsumerAffairs on 16/01/2025 - 13:58

        That's all of them, isn't it?

        • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 14:15

          No.

          All Model 3s had indicator stalks until 2024 Highland refresh. Model Y (both the original model and new one about to arrive) have indicator stalk. Model S (and X?) had them removed at some point in 2021 or 22 from memory.

  • zombie hunter on 16/01/2025 - 13:07

    Drinking or putting into your car ?

  • brendanm on 16/01/2025 - 14:18
    +1

    My thought is that you should let your mum get whatever she is comfortable with, and stop being controlling.

  • Jaspa7 on 16/01/2025 - 14:22

    I get where you're coming from with feeding 75% back into grid, but even so, saying this as owner of BYD EV myself:
    I know I won't fully start reaping benefits for at least the next 5 years.
    Maybe just use the electricity for mining bitcoins or something else.

    • McFly on 17/01/2025 - 00:22

      Plot twist: Mother doesn't buy car as she doesn't leave the house anymore, is too busy managing her new mining farm.

  • ReaperX22 on 16/01/2025 - 14:27

    Mazda CX-3 or Toyota Yaris Cross

    Smaller cars, slightly 'taller' than their sedan/hatch variants, makes it easier for older people to get in/out as they're not super tall that it becomes a burden. Simple cars, do the job, and no concerns for plugging in an EV, but still decent economy especially with the yaris hybrid.

  • cashless on 16/01/2025 - 15:04

    In UK she'd get a free bus pass or train pass

  • OhMaJuck on 16/01/2025 - 15:15

    An elderly individual may struggle with new electronics and gadgets; they simply require a straightforward, low-maintenance car.

    I would suggest the HAVAL Jolion Hybrid.

  • drfuzzy on 16/01/2025 - 16:09
    -1

    If she suffers vertigo like my 73yo mum does, remember that EVs have been shown to increase motion sickness compared to ICE vehicles.
    The reason is connected to harsh regenerative breaking and mismatch with sensory input.

    • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 17:13

      remember that EVs have been shown to increase motion sickness compared to ICE vehicles. The reason is connected to harsh regenerative breaking

      That's entirely down to the driver. There's nothing inherently worse about EVs. Driving smoothly with one pedal takes a bit of practice.

      It's something that EV noobs struggle with at first. And no shade on them - most people have been driving ICE for decades and have a lot of habits they need to adjust for EV. Learning a new paradigm takes a bit of time.

    • Rally Dave on 16/01/2025 - 20:27

      So it sounds like you haven't driven an EV and don't know about them. They can be set with a small amount of regen to mimicking engine deceleration only and drive exactly like a normal car. You can also turn it off completely. For some people, learning to drive one pedal lane towards that. I have vertigo and the smoothness of an EV has been a godsend for me lately.

      • klaw81 on 16/01/2025 - 21:59

        They can be set with a small amount of regen to mimicking engine deceleration only and drive exactly like a normal car. You can also turn it off completely.

        Not all EVs have this feature.

  • Hangryuman on 16/01/2025 - 17:21

    I'm old and retired and sold my old car over two years ago as I didn't need it or want it anymore - we live inner city and walk everywhere.

    Cars are scary for old people - a moment's TIA - transient ischemic attack - loss of consciousness - happened to me once - scary AF - like a dark curtain descending on my whole field of view - I had to brake hard and try to hold a straight line and hope I wouldn't crash into any cars parked on the side of the road I was moving along.

    But yeah I figure she's in a car-dependent suburb - needs to drive to the shop to buy milk and eggs, etc.

    But hey - want to spend money so she can get the full pension - because she's currently got too much money to get the full pension - [insert swears words here] - just yeah nah from me.

  • zuuutoootuuu on 16/01/2025 - 17:24
    +2

    A Nissan Leaf 30kwh can be had for $10-15k, 10 bars will get you about 175km out of a charge.
    Operation wise, it is like any other Nissan. A keyless fob, button to turn it on/off and a selector to put it into gear.

    • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:17

      Is an excellent recommendation and these are one of my choices as yes can be gotten for that price range and will suit her needs for 99% of driving. And personally I highly doubt she'll be doing longer road trips as she prefers to fly or catch the train (which is free for pensioners).

  • Muppet Detector on 16/01/2025 - 18:25

    My dad was 100 ish when he handed in his licence and stopped driving.

    Wealthy man, can afford most anything. In later years downgraded from some huge Mercedes saloon car to a land cruiser (towed boat and caravan), eventually down to Camry's for both he and mum.

    Reliable. Easy to service. Cheap to service and keep on road. Comfortable, roomy. Had just enough gadgets and safety they could use and none of that newfangled stuff that that required tertiary education to understand and problem fix.

    Less fancy crap and electronics that could break less stuff that could go wrong and need to fix it.

  • Daniel Plainview on 16/01/2025 - 19:24
    +2

    Curious for the folks who feel that its TOO hard for an elderly person to learn how to charge an EV when they have PV panels on their roof generating a crapload surplus of power - what do you feel it the stuff thats too hard to learn?

    She drives perhaps once every day….I invisage her just having a granny charging cable linked up to the car - when it's not in use have it plugged in at home. The battery tech would stop it from charging too much doesn't it? So whats too hard for her in the average 20km trips she does once a day to LEARN?

    I'm not seeing the obstacle…..and yes I'd be leaning towards a 2-4yr old basic-ish EV, something like a Nissan Leaf is a good choice IMHO - a lot of depreciation already off it - running costs should be very low.

    But welcome the flaw in this logic. :-)

    • Muppet Detector on 16/01/2025 - 19:34

      My mother gets confused on ebay

      • McFly on 17/01/2025 - 00:17

        Try putting her on FB marketplace - you might get a better price.

    • Rally Dave on 16/01/2025 - 20:23
      +1

      Only problem I can think of with a leaf is a bit low to get in and out of as mobility decreases.

      • Daniel Plainview on 17/01/2025 - 08:18

        Reasonable point - I have flagged this with her i.e looking at vehicles now & in say 5yrs time she'll be able to get in/out of easily - but she's got very good mobility, no issues at all.

    • AndyC1 on 18/01/2025 - 11:50

      If they can understand the electricity bill and can explain to you what each of the line items are on the bill and how the lines items are added/ subtracted to get to the total then they are going to be okay with the EV user interface. they have to use.

      • Daniel Plainview on 18/01/2025 - 14:27

        How so? At a simple level I fail to see how it's going to be any harder then her managing her smart phone's charging.

        To equate with a power bill - which lets be honest are deliberately made obtuse by the companies to confuse forls - but sure I'll play along but you're not going to have TOU (peak, Shoulder, OP) CL1 etc all on an EV's most basic charging info.

        So again for the scores of folks saying it's all too hard, she'd never be able to understand it - there's absolute crickets to providing a detailed explanation of exactly what aspects of this are seen as too hard & beyond a very good 70yr old level?

        • AndyC1 on 18/01/2025 - 15:36
          -1

          Looks like you do not care about responses. As such I hope your mother is up to speed with all the latest gadgets like you say she is.

          • Daniel Plainview on 18/01/2025 - 15:48
            +1

            @AndyC1: ??? So you stated something, which seems questionable to me - I merely asked for clarification of what I feel is a questionable assertion & this is unacceptable? Sorry but seems like you are the one who seems to have the issue with responses i.e essentially saying to me to take what you're told and be gone.

            Again love to hear you explain your point that an EV's user interface is like reading a power bill. Never heard that said before but open to you doing it.

          • Euphemistic on 20/01/2025 - 08:24
            +1

            @AndyC1: They are just cars. Other than tesla arent they just the same except they have a battery % instead of a fuel gauge?

            Tesla is trying to reinvent the driving experience. Other ma ugacturers know that people dont want to much change so make it similar to ICE cars.

        • LukeSmith on 20/01/2025 - 07:43
          +1

          Mostly because those that say it's a bad idea have no first-hand experience with them - duh :D

    • Daniel Plainview on 19/01/2025 - 09:19

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/16168690/redir

      Asked 3 days ago - not a single reply yet. Which is very 'odd' given the plethora of folks saying a 70+yr old couldn't possibly handle the complecity of charging an EV at home.

      So yet again I will ask for specifics on how charging an EV at home - when you're exporting 75% of your solar output is so confusing, as if this is to be believed I'm missing something - as I imagine she'd just keep it plugged in when not driving to the slow 'granny' charger - on a timer so she's only using when she's generating power.

      Beyond that what is the sticking points I'm missing? :-)

  • mjcrow on 16/01/2025 - 19:29
    +2

    An EV will cost her less to run and maintain, but some people are not yet ready to trust a fully electric vehicle, so much mis-information out there. My suggestion is go to some dealerships and take some cars for a test drive, try ICE, Hybrid and EV, and let her decide what she likes. I am sure she will enjoy the lack of noise and vibration of an EV, but she might also be happy to have the reduced fuel use of a Hybrid, pure ICE makes no sense what so ever unless upfront cost is the only concern. There are used (2 year old) GWM Ora cars available for under $30K (or new for around $33K), and that is a very nice small car that is still has the "traditional" car controls, so no scary learning curve of where indicators, etc are. They also have a host of safety features that will be useful for someone of her age and a 5 star ANCAP rating. Bottom line, it's going to be her car for the next 10 years, she is the one that needs to be comfortable with the purchase.

  • Muppet Detector on 16/01/2025 - 19:33
    +1

    Another thought, both my parents were very agile, flexible and mobile until middle of 2024 when we started to notice them slow down and need bathroom renovations, walking sticks, walking frames and occasional sit on electric scooters

    In laws were in much worse shape. Heaps of mobility walkers and wheelchairs and really struggled to get in and it higher seats or lower seats

    Maybe keep this in mind when selecting a car. Jesus bar in right place? Easy to lock doors once inside. Easy to get out. Easy to move/adjust chairs. Easy to find and engage seat belt. Spare tyre, jack and fire extinguisher. Clear written wrist of what to do and call in case of accident

    Easy to check hand brake engaged. Easy to turn head lights off
    Easy to engage and disengage any alarm for entry, exit or within

    Big clear numbers so relevant speeds and odometer gauges can be seen

    Understanding of what other lights, warnings and buttons are.

    Work out how to adjust chairs

    Show them how to fill petrol/use right hole etc

    Organise roadside assist and establish where car should be towed to in case of accident

    Comprehensive insurance

    Perhaps consider a few paid driving lessons and definitely a defensive driving one.

  • Cyphar on 16/01/2025 - 19:54

    KISS method. She's been driving for 50+ years in an ICE car, so stick with that. Get a second hand Suzuki Ignis. Cheap to run, cheap to maintain, roomy and fun to drive. 2-3yo version can be had for $16k.

    • Daniel Plainview on 18/01/2025 - 14:31

      I see your logic - but she'd been using button mobile phones for 20yrs - yet lives on her smart phone these days more than me. So I think applying a rule like that too liberally is problematic i.e been doing this so long, so stick with it on that basis alone. The logic to me of a $20k car between an EV and ICE given her variables seems very hard to make the upside for the ICE car.

      As always on here lots of opinions, very little actual basis for these explained.

      • Cyphar on 18/01/2025 - 17:55

        You, yourself, mentioned your mother is reluctant to change. So do not force it upon her. You don't need any further explanation beyond that.

        • Daniel Plainview on 21/01/2025 - 10:37

          There's a significant difference between being resistant to something - as you simply don't know it and gave bad info (the likes of which can be seen even in this thread by folks many decades younger) and being so reluctant that you are being forced - which is a common thing that stated in this thread and is without basis and is laughable if anyone here actually knew my mother.

          Respectfully if you're going to make a point it's not for you to insist how much of an explanation of your point I feel I need. You may not wish to expand upon it - but that does not mean I feel it is conclusive.

          Saying someone has done something for a long period therefore don't change is pretty terrible as a sole rationale, I can see it's easy but it is smart? I'd say not.

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