The best GetGo cars for bringing parents out
23/10/2024
5.6 min read
I’ve always struggled with driving my parents around. Obviously, I love them to bits, but they’re a tough crowd to please. Complaints about the uncomfortable seats and the lack of legroom used to overwhelm me when I drove them around in my tiny, Mr Bean-esque car (Something bigger isn’t really an option in this economy, unfortunately.).
After I sold my sorry excuse of a car, I tried to get my parents on board with public transport and taxis. Both options weren’t great — it wasn’t comfortable for my parents to stand for half an hour while packed with sweaty, germy people. Taxis weren’t the right fit either. Some were too squeezy for my parents, and the prices during peak hours were exorbitant.
So, I tried carsharing. Nowadays, they don’t complain anymore. In this article, I’ll recommend 5 cars in the GetGo fleet that they love, and your elderly parents probably will, too.
01 • Relish the spacious and wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienta 🤩
The Sienta, on the outside, is just like most other Toyota models — simple and unassuming to the point where it’s almost boring. When my father first saw it, he asked, in Mandarin, “This is supposed to be comfortable?”
It was only when he slid open the door and entered did his expression begin to lighten up. After all, the Sienta is spacious. It’s a 7-seater that’s designed to be accessible, holding enough space for a wheelchair. My mother, who is much more easily impressed, complimented the wheelchair space. She joked that travelling wouldn’t be a problem if she were relegated to a wheelchair in the future.
I enjoyed driving my parents in the Sienta. It’s not a head-turning, ultra high-tech beast of a machine. But it’s undeniably a practical car that offers a smooth experience. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
02 • Travel in style and comfort with the Mazda CX-5 😎
My parents oohed and aahed at the CX-5 when they first saw it because of its sleek appearance. I was also excited to drive the CX-5, especially after hearing about its impressive features, like the high-tech Active Driving Display that projects vehicle status information onto the windshield — it’s almost like a video game. Indeed, it did not disappoint.
Plus, the CX-5 boasts a roomy interior that had my father manspreading into oblivion, much to my mother’s dismay. The ample legroom also meant that my parents could stretch their old bones easily.
As we hit the road, they commented on the ventilated seats that kept them cool and comfortable. My mother also liked that the CX-5 possessed a sizable boot that could fit a wheelchair or walkers. “Good for us old people,” said my mother. She then made the same joke that travelling wouldn’t be a problem even if she were relegated to a wheelchair next time.
03 • Enjoy hassle-free accessibility with the Honda Vezel 👍
Practicality is the name of the game for the compact Vezel, which is designed with convenience and accessibility in mind. While the Vezel doesn’t scream luxury, it makes up for its run-of-the mill appearance with its elderly-friendly design and features.
The Vezel’s wide door openings allowed my parents to enter and exit without awkward twisting and bending. Also, the low floor may seem like an unimpressive feature, but it’s a game-changer if you have older parents as it helps to prevent falls and trips — common accidents among the elderly. Once, my mother almost fell due to the height of a taxi, and boy was it a scary experience for all of us. With its low floor, the Vezel poses no such issue.
04 • Cruise smoothly in the Volkswagen Touran 🌟
My parents thought I was joking when I said that the Touran’s build and design reduced the impact of bumps while driving. Once we got going, they found the ride a surprisingly smooth and stable one.
This SUV actually absorbs vibrations better than other cars, ideal for sensitive passengers who may struggle with motion sickness or general discomfort on the road. Indeed, my parents remarked that the Touran felt more “cushioned” during the ride. They also liked the high roofline and slab sides, which allowed for generous interior space. My parents took full advantage of the large space to stretch their weary limbs, glad that they didn’t have to squeeze shoulder-to-shoulder. I, too, was happy that I gave them one less reason to nag at me.
05 • Take your parents for an eco-friendly ride in the Hyundai KONA EV 🌳
“Save what tree?”
My father was bemused when I offered to drive him around in an electric car. Both my parents saw electric vehicles as a nonsensical marketing gimmick, but they were no less impressed when they took a spin in the KONA.
The KONA combines practicality with comfort, spoiling my parents with loads of legroom and ventilated seats that came with lumbar support. My father also appreciated the leather material of the car seats, and fell in love with how snugly he could rest in the vehicle.
Being an electric car, the KONA emits close to no noise, unlike traditional Internal Combustion Engine cars. My mother liked that the KONA wasn’t noisy as she was sensitive to loud sounds, especially when Internal Combustion Engine cars revved their engines. The quietness of the KONA also meant that I could hear my parents’ stories without having to strain my ears.
My parents thoroughly enjoyed riding in the KONA. And if you can’t take their word for it — check here to find out more about what makes it such a well-loved car amongst GetGoers.
Overall, my parents gave their senior citizen seal of approval to these 5 GetGo cars. And this is just the tip of the iceberg — GetGo has a diverse fleet, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to spacious rides for your parents.
The next time you’re planning a day out with your parents, why not tap into the GetGo app and book a car that’ll make them feel like VIPs? After all they’ve done for you, they deserve nothing but the best.
Happy driving!
Amanda 🚗