My parents are looking to replace an aging Chrysler PT cruiser. They have a narrow garage space and like a high-seating position. I can't believe how high they sit in that PT!
While you might not find a slew of cars that meet your requirements, we recommend taking a look at small crossover SUVs, including the Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue, Ford Escape as well as the Escape’s Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute counterparts. They’re slightly wider than the PT but have a high-seating position that allows a good view of the road.
A potential issue is that some of our recommended SUVs might sit higher off the ground than the PT Cruiser, which could be a problem depending on your parents’ willingness and ability to get in and out of a higher-sitting car. Ground clearance specs, a measure of the highest point of the undercarriage and not the actual step-in height, will give you a rough estimate of how vehicles compare to each other.
As for cars, the 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable have a relatively high-seating position; they also offer good visibility with large windows and narrow roof pillars, but these full-size sedans are much wider than the PT Cruiser. In sedans, keep an eye out for seats with an adjustable height range, which can vary from car to car. It might make the driving position high enough to meet your parents’ seating requirement.
If your parents were content with the PT Cruiser, then you might not want to rule out buying a new replacement. Chrysler currently has a $750 cash back rebate on the 2009 and is also running a “Shop Til You Drive” promotion.
Ground Clearances (Inches)
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Expert Reviews
Vehicle Summary
High-seating car with a narrow footprint?
Ever thought of smart?
Suzuki Sx4?
Mazda5. Narrow, tight turning radius and sliding rear doors for that tight garage. High seating position too! A very versatile and fun car to drive!
I was looking for exactly the same thing, old PT Cruiser that was out of lease and learned about the NEW Dodge Journey. It is barely 5 inches wider than the PT Cruiser with almost twice the storage and utility compartments and almost identical turning radius. I found deals for $1,800 off and it is the best buy I could've imagined. I like the high seating position and every drive is a lot of fun. Hope this helps.
Try a Nissan Xterea, Try it you will love it.
The current generation Scion xB has a wicked high seating position, not a butt dragger at all. Handy for those of us who've decided to let our abs vanish such that our legs want to flop down like dead weight.
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High-seating car with a narrow footprint?
How about smart?