Butt Sliding

Testing a car

We decided to look at getting a small SUV in the past week – a higher car makes it easier for Ben to get in an out of. Or that’s the theory. Today after doing some errands, we went butt sliding. Which is what I’m calling testing the theory of getting in and out of cars easier.

 

Of course, it disturbs car sales people. We were butt sliding at a Nissan dealership and a woman came up to us and asked if she could help us. I told her she couldn’t. She said that was sad. I said we’re testing if car sizes make it easier for Ben’s mobility issues, therefore only he can help.

 

Life hack: sales people do not appreciate logic and/or reality.

 

We were also butt sliding at Holden. You see, despite going SUV shopping, I actually think most SUVs are ugly. But the only one I’ve ever slightly liked the look of is the Captiva. I was thinking I should get the mini-er version, the Trax, just because I have no specific need for anything that’s not a small SUV. But I’ve got to say, I do like the Captiva. It’s nice to feel more space around you in the car.

 

Of course, most people like doing things like test driving cars. We just slide our butts to see if they’re easy to get in and out of. And then I flatten the seats and see if it’s big enough to nap in the back at the beach.

 

Also, that’s why I now want one with a sun roof. Ironically, only for night, because I don’t like being out in the sun.

 

Testing a car

 

 

And yes, that’s a pretty creepy photo. Sorry. Reality bites…I really do do strange stuff in public.

 

I haven’t even worked out which way to finance it yet…so for now we’re really just testing if the theory of butt sliding works. So far it seems to, but it depends on the height of the car. The Holdens were easier to get in and out of than the Nissans, because they’re taller. Because we’re massive Community fans, we are morally obligated to go try a Honda CR-V at some point too.

 

What car do you have? Any personal experience with a current-ish model small SUV that you could tell me about?

 

24 Replies to “Butt Sliding”

  1. I’m such a shorty and now having mobility issues that I’ll be doing much the same thing when we upgrade our car later this year. As much as I would love an SUV, I just don’t think it will make things easier for me. We did look at them last upgrade and narrowed it down to Hyundai (ix35), Captiva and the Nissan Dualis.

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I currently have a Hyundai Getz, and while I have nothing against the car, the attitudes and hassles Hyundai have given me over the years have put me off of buying with them again. I am still considering an IX35 but I’m not keen on it just from experience with the local dealers.

  2. I love SUV’s. We have a Toyota rav and it’s been fantastic. Might be a bit big for what you want though.

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      So far it seems to be small-mid SUVs that work – the Nissans really were too small to get a benefit. I think we need to go by body shape; I’m getting the vibe that squarer, taller ones will fit our needs.

  3. Haha! Great post, butt sliding is a perfect descriptor! Whenever I used to drive my parents 4WD I practically needed a stepladder to get in!

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      Haha some of them are so big! We tested ones with the side steps and they actually made it *harder* to get in and out of. Weird.

  4. Ok, we had a Mazda CX-5 and LOVED it. Perhaps my most favourite car. Now we have three kids, we have a Toyota Kluger, it’s big, no doubt about that. Thank goodness for the reversing camera, no way I could reverse park without it!

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I’ve heard good things about that range, but haven’t been to see any Mazdas yet!

  5. Haha…butt sliding 🙂 I should totally try that for fun.

    Not going to be much of a help in the SUV department as I have a Mazda 2.

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I have a Getz so it’s a whole new way to look at cars. I’m actually too tall to really use my sun visors so I’m thinking a small car (as great as it is) may not have been the best choice to begin with.

  6. Best of luck in your SUV search and may you find one that’s just right soon.

    My key features when car shopping are parking sensors and GPS. To cover my major weakspots when driving.

    SSG xxx

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I was wondering if parking sensors would be a good thing for a bigger car – my Getz is so easy to park in any spot I could do it asleep! I think that will take some adjustment if/when I have a bigger car.

  7. We are a KIA Carnival family and we LOVE IT!!! It’s the fun bus. Electric doors, 11 cup holders, DVD, the back row completely folds into the floor for a full station wagon type storage area … and even when seats up the KIA Carnival Grand has enough deep boot space. So good for our family travels. And it has good power and flies along the freeways. LOVE IT!
    Not technically an SUV. Or is it?
    Thanks for linking up again this week to the Lovin’ Life Linky!
    Happy Sunday

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      That would be huge haha. Though I did suggest one like that to my husband when he wanted a van – I figured that’s more flexible because it could seat people OR stuff.

  8. But it’s not small, so that’s a fail

  9. I’ve got a Mazda 3 but hubby has an xtrail. Not really small though! And a little hard to get out of!

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I have been in an X trail a few times and they’re not *too* big, but probably on the upper side.

  10. I recently wrote about my favourite car and it’s the Nissan X trail. My hub also has mobility issues and he can get in and out of it well. He finds the seat a bit less comfy than his SUV which is the larger pathfinder. We did shop around for our now 12months+ cars – and Nissan won. Good luck. I did a week’s trial for my blog years ago on the captiva for Holden and whilst it was good and family member who got one found it a lemon.

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      Oh excellent, will go snoop through your blog! I’ve heard the Captiva has a nickname Crap-tiva! But it is the SUV I’ve always liked the most.

  11. Good luck on your search! Do all the butt sliding you need to, I say!

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      More to come, I think! Maybe a video next time 🙂

  12. I love the look of the Captiva. We are in pretty desperate need of a car upgrade too so we can get some extra seats for friends to sit in. I am keen on the Mazdas and the Klugers myself. xo

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      Thankfully, as it’s just the two of us, the number of seats isn’t too critical. One less variable! I haven’t checked out the Mazdas yet but they’re on my list.

  13. We have a Ford Territory. I’m such the short arse, I’m almost kissing the windscreen when I adjust the seat.
    Some of us sales people appreciate logic and reality. Not all, but some 😉

Leave a Reply