naomi 343 Posted January 5, 2019 I've mostly avoided driving even though I've had a license for about 6 years. But now I have to because I'm starting a new job that actually requires a commute. Initially I'll do a combination of carpooling and using Lyft while I get more comfortable driving. I have extreme anxiety behind the wheel but my Achilles heel is tight navigation. I had a nightmare in a dentist/doctor office parking lot the other day while driving a Chevy S10 pickup, parking lot was packed, construction crews were also speckled throughout, and in trying to park I almost hit other cars numerous times and at one point spent at least 5 minutes slowly backing out of a spot, going forward, backing, going forward, trying to do a safe angle, and actually getting so anxious it overrode good sense to a degree as far as turning the wheel for the needed effect. Fifteen minutes later my heart rate was 117 bpm (dental assistant took it). Thinking I need something on the smaller side with awesome visibility. My brothers have already suggested https://cdns.abclocal.go.com/images/kgo/cms_exf_2007/news/bizarre/9415621_1280x720.jpg but I'd need to start the morning commute around 1 AM with that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,633 Posted January 5, 2019 Honda CRV Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted January 5, 2019 Honda CRV I have one. Like it. Both my mother and my father have since purchased CRVs as well, so I will be getting something else that makes me feel younger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MTSkiBum 1,594 Posted January 5, 2019 This is the 2nd or 3rd time you have created this same thread, why would we believe that you will actually buy a car this time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kutulu 1,545 Posted January 5, 2019 You should get one of those self driving cars from the sound of it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naomi 343 Posted January 5, 2019 This is the 2nd or 3rd time you have created this same thread, why would we believe that you will actually buy a car this time. Have to. The first thread was helpful for how to shop for a car, and generally what brands will give you less grief. It wasn't wasted by any means. The second thread I think didn't really net anything, probably for this reason. Now it has to happen and I have a narrower criteria. Posting threads about potentially buying cars is not my means of entertainment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EternalShinyAndChrome 2,515 Posted January 5, 2019 Hyundai Tuscon or the Peel P50. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,633 Posted January 5, 2019 I have one. Like it. Both my mother and my father have since purchased CRVs as well, so I will be getting something else that makes me feel younger. I need it for the baby seats. But it's a good car, decent gas mileage. Not much pep. It does have good visibility and the LX has the blind spot warnings and park assist. She was concerned about that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baker Boy 1,485 Posted January 5, 2019 I've mostly avoided driving even though I've had a license for about 6 years. But now I have to because I'm starting a new job that actually requires a commute. Initially I'll do a combination of carpooling and using Lyft while I get more comfortable driving. I have extreme anxiety behind the wheel but my Achilles heel is tight navigation. I had a nightmare in a dentist/doctor office parking lot the other day while driving a Chevy S10 pickup, parking lot was packed, construction crews were also speckled throughout, and in trying to park I almost hit other cars numerous times and at one point spent at least 5 minutes slowly backing out of a spot, going forward, backing, going forward, trying to do a safe angle, and actually getting so anxious it overrode good sense to a degree as far as turning the wheel for the needed effect. Fifteen minutes later my heart rate was 117 bpm (dental assistant took it). Thinking I need something on the smaller side with awesome visibility. My brothers have already suggested https://cdns.abclocal.go.com/images/kgo/cms_exf_2007/news/bizarre/9415621_1280x720.jpg but I'd need to start the morning commute around 1 AM with that. Technology is going to help you a lot. Buy or Lease new and go for the Auto Safety Packages Key active safety systems include: * Automatic emergency braking (AEB): Brakes are automatically applied to prevent a collision or reduce collision speed. * Forward-collision warning (FCW): Visual and/or audible warning intended alert the driver and prevent a collision. * Blind-spot warning (BSW): Visual and/or audible notification of vehicle in blind spot. The system may provide an additional warning if you use your turn signal when there is a car next to you in another lane. * Rear cross-traffic warning: Visual, audible, or haptic notification of object or vehicle out of rear camera range, but could be moving into it. * Rear automatic emergency braking (Rear AEB): Brakes are automatically applied to prevent backing into something behind the vehicle. This could be triggered by the rear cross-traffic system, or other sensors on the vehicle. * Lane-departure warning (LDW): Visual, audible, or haptic warning to alert the driver when they are crossing lane markings. * Lane-keeping assist (LKA): Automatic corrective steering input or braking provided by the vehicle when crossing lane markings. * Lane-centering assist: Continuous active steering to stay in between lanes (active steer, autosteer, etc.) * Adaptive cruise control: Adaptive cruise uses lasers, radar, cameras, or a combination of these systems to keep a constant distance between you and the car ahead, automatically maintaining a safe following distance. If highway traffic slows, some systems will bring the car to a complete stop and automatically come back to speed when traffic gets going again, allowing the driver to do little more than pay attention and steer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiPolarBear 476 Posted January 5, 2019 Cheap, short and boxy so it is easy to park. Good warranty: Kia Soul AWD, if you can afford it, should help you feel safe and secure, if it rains: Subaru Impreza Used, we have a Nissan Cube. Huge flatish windshield for great visibility. Flat sides for easy parking. Best gas mileage of our four Nissans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frozenbeernuts 1,652 Posted January 5, 2019 My Chevy Cruze is a nice little car to drive around. I think it has good visibility. Maybe try taking driving lessons if you are that terrible? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 3,455 Posted January 6, 2019 Just bought an Accord, great driving vehicle, love the features, should last me at least 200k miles too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,633 Posted January 6, 2019 Just bought an Accord, great driving vehicle, love the features, should last me at least 200k miles too They are sharp looking too. If I could get a sedan they would be at the top of the list. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sderk 1,040 Posted January 6, 2019 1975 AMC Pacer. I hear you can see into someone's soul the visibility is so good in these cars. Maybe put a couple 18 wheeler's side view mirrors on to help as well. https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/amc/pacer/2207967.html But seriously, my GF has a GTI that is an easy car to handle and has a little zip to it. If driving in 4 seasons, meaning snow, I love my Jeep Wrangler, although it sits a little high and is a bit tricky at first for parallel parking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 3,455 Posted January 6, 2019 1975 AMC Pacer. I hear you can see into someone's soul the visibility is so good in these cars. Maybe put a couple 18 wheeler's side view mirrors on to help as well. https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/amc/pacer/2207967.html But seriously, my GF has a GTI that is a nice car to handle with a little zip to it. If driving in 4 seasons, meaning snow, I love my Jeep Wrangler, although it sits a little high and is a bit tricky at first for parallel parking. I wish someone would do a study to figure out how or why American car design sucked so badly in the 70's across so many models Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frozenbeernuts 1,652 Posted January 6, 2019 I wish someone would do a study to figure out how or why American car design sucked so badly in the 70's across so many models 70s and 80s. I was actually wondering something similar the other day. It was pretty much all facets of fashion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sderk 1,040 Posted January 6, 2019 I wish someone would do a study to figure out how or why American car design sucked so badly in the 70's across so many models This country got schooled in that industry for many years by Japan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 3,455 Posted January 6, 2019 They are sharp looking too. If I could get a sedan they would be at the top of the list. Yes, I like the design inside and out. I went with it over the Camry because it has a bit more space, and they use the 4cylinder turbo over the 6. Since I drive slow for the most part i get great gas mileage, plus it had just the "right" set of features, Camry has more options, but nothing i need or really want Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sderk 1,040 Posted January 6, 2019 I don't have one in my car but have driven a lot of rental cars that have the rear view camera that kicks in when you back up. Those are a really awesome feature. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,080 Posted January 6, 2019 Deathtrap. Enjoy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SenatorRock 708 Posted January 6, 2019 Go big or take the bus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frank 2,144 Posted January 6, 2019 Nissan Cube. That may be the ugliest car ever. It looks like something they were trying to pass off as cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DonS 3,067 Posted January 6, 2019 On the flip side I once got stuck with a focking PT Cruiser as a rental. Or it might have been one of those similar HHRs. Absolute terrible visibility on those sh1tty cars. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frank 2,144 Posted January 6, 2019 On the flip side I once got stuck with a focking PT Cruiser as a rental. Or it might have been one of those similar HHRs. Absolute terrible visibility on those sh1tty cars. Forgot about that. PT Cruiser is probably more embarrassing than a Cube. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiPolarBear 476 Posted January 6, 2019 That may be the ugliest car ever. It looks like something they were trying to pass off as cool. That is a big reason I got it. Nobody will steal it, and if they did, it would be easy to spot. It is a great car, and when I am on the inside, I can't see it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mookz 1,287 Posted January 7, 2019 Naomi, could I might suggest the automotive vehicle known as the Honda Fit? It has excellent visibility, and it's like driving an optical illusion - compact on the outside but spacious on the inside. I've had mine for two and a half years, and to this day I'll pull or back into a parking spot, get all the way snug up against the wall, then get out and realize I had another foot and a half to go. It gets really good gas mileage, it's super-dependable, and peppy. During the week you can zip back and forth to your job, and on the weekend you can put the back seats down, throw open the back and load in all your equipment, and take it for a nice hike. It's been around long enough now that you can get an older one (mine's a 2008) at a great price if you want. My only complaint is the uncomfortable driver's seat, but it's not a problem for anyone under 5'10. What say you? p.s. congrats on getting out of that school environment. What will you be doing now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sderk 1,040 Posted January 7, 2019 Forgot about that. PT Cruiser is probably more embarrassing than a Cube. I was given a PT Cruiser once as a rental. It's hard to believe those got approved for production. They are simply a waste of space in the interior. It's like they couldn't come up with an idea for anything and just let their kids design it even though the kids just wanted to get back to watching cartoons. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naomi 343 Posted January 12, 2019 Naomi, could I might suggest the automotive vehicle known as the Honda Fit? It has excellent visibility, and it's like driving an optical illusion - compact on the outside but spacious on the inside. I've had mine for two and a half years, and to this day I'll pull or back into a parking spot, get all the way snug up against the wall, then get out and realize I had another foot and a half to go. It gets really good gas mileage, it's super-dependable, and peppy. During the week you can zip back and forth to your job, and on the weekend you can put the back seats down, throw open the back and load in all your equipment, and take it for a nice hike. It's been around long enough now that you can get an older one (mine's a 2008) at a great price if you want. My only complaint is the uncomfortable driver's seat, but it's not a problem for anyone under 5'10. What say you? p.s. congrats on getting out of that school environment. What will you be doing now? Yes, you may Thanks Mookz! I may have to check this one out https://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/d/sacramento-2011-honda-fit-sport-4dr/6784096505.html Subaru Forresters are in serious consideration, and I really need to go test drive a Honda CRV. So glad to be getting out, although the complete shedding (contact about how to do things) will probably take a bit. The new place is a think tank type organization. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mookz 1,287 Posted January 14, 2019 Yes, you may Thanks Mookz! I may have to check this one out https://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/d/sacramento-2011-honda-fit-sport-4dr/6784096505.html Subaru Forresters are in serious consideration, and I really need to go test drive a Honda CRV. So glad to be getting out, although the complete shedding (contact about how to do things) will probably take a bit. The new place is a think tank type organization. Gotcha, I guess maybe you are looking for something a little bigger than a Fit, but I will say that unless you have people in your back seat often, you really will not be lacking for space, and could really maximize the "smallish, good visibility" part. No parking lot will ever intimidate you again. Plus if you ever have to move the think tank, I think even it will fit. You may have to take off the filter, but still. If you do check out that sweet black one that you linked, I'll consider that a win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 3,455 Posted January 14, 2019 That may be the ugliest car ever. It looks like something they were trying to pass off as cool. Aztec jr? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUXBNME 1,328 Posted January 14, 2019 My Chevy Cruze is a nice little car to drive around. I think it has good visibility. Maybe try taking driving lessons if you are that terrible? It hasn't fell apart yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
