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Sedans Best Vehicles for Taller/Larger Drivers
791 messages, Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 7:57 AM
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First, Thanks for all the posts. I am a 6'3", 350lb guy looking for a vehicle for me and three kids. As a single dad it has to do it all. I see alot of the posts are focused on cars and refer to the poor mileage of trucks and SUVs. I agree, trucks and SUVs compared to cars generally get poor mileage. However, before you write off that used SUV so you can squeeze into that new ultra high mileage car, here are some things to remember; Make sure you look at the total cost of operating the vehicle including the initial purchase price and the ongoing gas and maintenance expense. Be honest wih yourself about how long you will keep the vehicle, and you migh find out that that extra 10 to 15 miles per gallon savings doesn't pay the premium being charged for reliable high mileage vehicles. As for me, right now I drive a 94 Toyota Landcruiser with 230,000 miles. Still runs great, but I will be updating it soon. I will most likely get either a Sequoia or 100 series Land Cruiser (1998 - 2007). Both these vehicles are full size SUV's with V-8's so they drink gas, however, since they don't have a lot of changes throught the model year, you can get an early model in great shape for very reasonable prices. They have room, style, and are very reliable. The GM full size SUV's are good too and cheaper, but I don't the "mushy" way they drive. Safety. As us big guys squeeze into smaller vehicles, we should be concerned about survivability. I know we have airbags and the sort to save us, but some times there is no substitute for more space and metal around you. Finanly, the "green" factor. Well I am an environmental engineer, so I know a little bit about the subject. First I will say that the larger Trucks and SUV's do have higher emmissions, so if this is a concern (and I agree it should be), then my logic potentially fails here. However, think about the emmissions you save by extending the life of a used vehicle (if it were a beer can we would call it recycling) and if you look at the fact that with our bigger cars we have a greater opportunity to car pool with more passengers, then the SUV's may not be the biggest problem. Also note that despite the current propaganda, emmisions from well maintained suv's driven by large and tall drivers is the least of our concerns. The emmisions form industrial and commercial activities has a far greater impact, but it is easier to shame us into smaller vehicles than it is to ask big business to give up just a little profit for better emmisions. Hope this helps.
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Replying to: billnett (Feb 04, 2009 7:29 am) We used to get the same in our Honda Pilot, too. But you probably wouldn't care for it if you are used to a more luxurious type of vehicle. Plus, the Honda resale value makes it less of a good buy on the used side. In other words, I won't tell you that you don't need an SUV, but I must question all those who feel they must have one that gets 15 mpg. (Again, unless towing heavy equipment, which is a VERY small percentage of those who own them)
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Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 04, 2009 7:55 am) Of course, the XC90 would be preferable if it fit the bill and there were no need to do the intellectual backflips to justify driving a 5000+ lb. vehicle. But there are individuals like myself who are, for instance, 6'5" & 375#, drive a 2005 Sequoia and lament the 15mpg EVERY TIME I fill the tank. Gas prices then were almost exactly what they are now (about $1.89) and, even though I did forsee a rise in prices (although not to $4.50!), I too gauged that cost as against the premium that I would have had to pay for an RX400h (the only viable alternative at the time). In my case, though, the RX just just fit. Were I making the purchase today, I would investigate a Highlander hybrid and see if a custom shop could move the drivers seat. The Sequoia, strangly given its size, drives very nearly like a full sized sedan. It's quite amazing. Additionally, there have been MANY times over the past 4 years that we've loaded it up with 7 people (we have the second row captains chairs) and have thus foregone the need for a second vehicle. So, while this is by no means the norm, it does offer some mental peace of mind. Regarding the earlier comment about recycling/replacement, althought we intended all along to keep this vehicle for a minimum of 10 yrs, current conditions may well lengthen that considerably. That, of course has little or nothing to do with its mpg but is just an added kudos to the Sequoia. In the end, we (she-who-must-be-obeyed is the Sequoia's primary driver) are ecstatic with the choice and are so so thankful that we didn't choose the Escalade p.o.s. that was choice #2. The only major caveat that we both agree on is the third row not folding into the floor, which I understand has been corrected in the Sequoia's current itteration.
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Replying to: mark1 (Feb 04, 2009 9:42 am) Of course. And, at 6'5", it is a concern of mine, too. I do, however, only come in at 200 lbs. My only point was that a V8 is unnecessary for most. The XC90 seats 7, as does the Pilot. And both easily accomodate my height. But, then again, height isn't really the issue, is it? I also fit fine in my G35, as I did in my 350Z. The problem with those would only be for wider folks. In any case, the XC90 and Pilot shouldn't present a problem for wider folks, either.
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Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 04, 2009 11:06 am) After a lot of looking I chose a Chevrolet Avalanche. I tried an Escalade but the sunroof was too tight for me. I am concerned about some of the comments I read in this blog as I see than many people want to modify their car seat mounting brackets or position. This will change the geometry of all the airbags and the seatbelts. Be very careful with this one as you may be killed by it in an accident. I agree that the manufacturers are not doing enough for us in this regard. I am sure that they do not test their vehicles with "people who enjoy good food" or those of superior stature. More is the pity. If I want to buy a North American made vehicle I guess I need to stay with trucks and large SUV's.
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Replying to: gmochinski (Feb 09, 2009 11:38 pm) LOL! I am concerned about some of the comments I read in this blog as I see than many people want to modify their car seat mounting brackets or position. This will change the geometry of all the airbags and the seatbelts. I think that's a good point, if you share your vehicle with someone else. But keep in mind that the airbags/seatbelt are set for average-sized folks. So if you position the seat for someone our height, then the airbag and seatbelt should still fall correctly. But, regardless, most vehicle won't let you gain more than an inch or so, anyway. More is the pity. If I want to buy a North American made vehicle I guess I need to stay with trucks and large SUV's. Well, I dunno about that. Have you ever tried an EX-L Accord, for instance? I can't say it is the most comfortable vehicle, but definitely no issues fitting in it. Best-fitting car I ever owned was my Volvo S70, however. Loads of seat travel and a telescoping steering wheel. I could cruise all day in perfect comfort. But, no, its not "north american made." Well, for a short time, they are still making the Grand Marquis or Town Car.  I know those can fit large folks.
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Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 10, 2009 8:10 am) |
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I encourage folks to look at the Nissan Cube. It's just recently appeared in the showrooms and has not been widely advertised. I'm 6'6" and have difficulty with head and leg room. The Cube is small ( much like the original Scion XB ) but has an amazing amount of interior room and I felt comfortable. The price is reasonable, although, I suspect discounting will appear as the Nissan lots fill up with more Cube units. The Cube has quirky styling that will not appeal to everyone. Everyone to his own taste, I'm more interested in finding a vehicle that works for me than styling. I felt more secure driving the Cube than I did with the original Scion XB. |
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6'6" here with kids -- I drive a Dodge Charger and it's perfect for the height and backseat room leftover. Most head and leg room in any sedan I've driven. It is fun to drive with a little kick under the hood. Body design is fun and aggressive, and the kids love the sound when you throttle it. Three downsides - mpg is subpar (not completely unreasonable, but below average), comfort (the seats could use extra padding), and the lack of interior accoutrement (chinsy fitout...). All in all, definitely give it a shot. You won't regret it. |
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We are a tall bunch, not up to many of you... but we had to move to the big SUV when the boys hit 6', and more legs than body. I am hoping to downsize as they won't be living home with us in a few years (we hope). We are now 6'5" dad, 5'11" mom (36" legs), boys are 6'2"  15, and 6'3" 17, daughter 5'7" 11. My fear is that they are still growing. Not likely are we going to squeeze together in many cars with any degree of comfort. I have just recently found the Ford 500/ Mercury Montego which I drove and really liked. It has just as much back seat head and leg room as the front, I thought it was a typo. Only problem is they have discontinued the model, and apparently they were mainly fleet cars. Not many used I can find in my area. I also read about some serious design flaws with the car surging forward while breaking and other times intermittently, and frequent bad rear brake problems. I have driven the Grand Marquis and like it, but it didn't have the rear head and leg room of the Ford 500/Montego. I used to haul a lot of building materials for my husband, the builder, and I definitely enjoyed my suburbans where both (2nd and 3rd row) seats folded into the floor. None of the newer ones do that. I am trying to pass the gopher jobs onto my sons, so maybe I don't need the SUV anymore. Any other suggestions? I have been car pooling around town to all the sports and activities of my kids for years, and since I don't commute, I only put on about 5k miles a year. Therefore gas mileage is not a concern. I have occasionally driven a small car, and although it's possible for me alone, they will not work, as my car is the weekend trip to grandma's for the whole family still. Crash ratings are of highest concern when buying the next car.
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