What Is The Best Small Car For Someone Who Is Short In Stature?

[Treacle71]

I'm only 5 foot. I have tried a Citroen C1, but even then I can't reach the pedals far down enough.

[barry1010]

Some suggestions here https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/used-cars/1824/best-cars-for-short-people

[mallyh]

my friend who has achondroplasia has foot pedal extenders and can drive any car with them .

[douglas9401]

I suppose in all the excitement you've remembered to adjust the seat haven't you?

It wouldn't be the first time it was overlooked.

[Treacle71]

Of course, douglas9401.

[douglas9401]

Okay then, moving on, a friend has an Audi A1 and gets on fine.

She's what might be described as compact.

[Spicerack]

I knew a chap who was a maximum of 5ft. He always had (automatic) Mercedes cars (new one every year) I know they weren't modified except for a cushion he sat on when he was driving.
Of course, they weren't small cars but posted in case you thought your size confined you to small cars.

[barry1010]

It's not just a matter of reaching the pedals. Sitting too close to the steering wheel can be dangerous in an accident partly because you would be so much closer to the airbag. Shorter people can also have problems seeing out of the rear window when they are looking behind to reverse.
Getting extenders on the pedals doesn't help with holding the steering wheel comfortably, it is very tiring to drive with your arms stretched out.
Treacle, sit in as many different cars as you can, go on test drives - you will find the right car for you.

[lady-janine]

I have no suggestions as to what would be suitable car but Barry surely you reverse on your wing mirrors not the rear window?

[-SharonA-]

I am 5.1/5.2 and I drive my Honda Jazz comfortably and pedals are in easy reach with the seat adjusted.

[barry1010]

Lady janine, I turn round and look out of the back window when I reverse
"Looking out of the rear window before starting to move is very important. Many drivers choose to use their middle mirror and door mirrors only while reversing. This is unsafe and not recommended. Using your mirrors only allows you to see a limited area, but turning around to look out of the window allows you to make use of your peripheral vision."
https://spot-on-driving.co.uk/reversing-a-car-in-a-straight-line/#:~:text=Looking%20out%20of%20the%20rear%20window%20before%20starting,while%20reversing.%20This%20is%20unsafe%20and%20not%20recommended.

Of course this is impossible when towing a caravan or driving anything with a sealed cab

[davebro]

get one with a reversing camera

[lady-janine]

Okay Barry thank you for that correction. I was always taught to reverse on mirrors as that gave you more control over the pedals and your feet were not likely to slip or press too hard and reverse into whatever is behind. Obviously lorries and buses are different. I realise this must be a problem for shorter people (I am 5-6+ so not a problem). I hope Treacle finds a suitable car and thanks for that info.

[Fitzer]

My wife is 5ft and has had no problems in any of the VW Golfs we have had, important to have height adjustment on the drivers seat though.

[Boto]

A friend, 4’6, sat on a cushion in a Toyota Yaris. No problem.

[Treacle71]

Thanks guys so much xx