Buick Enclave for older/disabled passenger?

[CubsFanJeff]

I am currently shopping for a new vehicle to help my parents that are older. They need help driving and each have some disabilities. This means I am looking at something with very good and comfortable passenger room, safety and a lot of storage space for going on trips out of town. My choices are narrowed down to an SUV or Mini Van. I will never use a 3rd row, not that many people to deal with and need the storage room.

Only the Buick Enclave or GMC Acadia fits the requirements I have. Also, I am comparing to the Honda Odyssey and maybe another mini van or two. So, what I was wondering is if I could get some feedback from those with parents, friends or family that are older with difficulties and what they think of their travel in the SUV?

How bad is it for them to get into and out of the vehicle, such as the step up/out?

Do you have assist steps for them and do they truly help?

Is it easy for them to get into the 2nd row seats and can the arm rests on them be folded up to have them slide into?

Can the second row recline any for resting or comfort?

Can their legs stretch out so they don't complain about comfort?

Does anyone have the optional or after market hard shell luggage container and roof rails for added storage for trips?

Any other thoughts or advice appreciated in terms of looking at special needs and an SUV or mini van?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[CubsFanJeff]

So no one has any input on this? I would think more than a few Buick owners out there would have older parents or family to care for too.

 

[ffrog]

Your original message says absolutely nothing, we can’t read your mind.
Edit your post and state your question and maybe you will get a response.

 

[NormT]

My 65 year old Mother has no problem getting in and out of the front or rear seats of the smaller Encore. She has drove it and finds it easy to drive a visibility good sitting up high as she does in her Uplander. She did says inital the seats were hard or firm for non-leather.

I find it really easy to drive and easy on low octane gas of 87 octane. The doors are lightweight and easy to open/close including the liftgate. The manuverablity making it easy to turn around, backing up, with very tight turning radius.

 

[jimmyh]

I am sure they would be hapt with the enclave. Best bet is to take them to a dealer and have them try it out. The second row seats do slide and recline, though not very much.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Your original message says absolutely nothing, we can’t read your mind.
Edit your post and state your question and maybe you will get a response.

It seems we're having an issue where sometimes the first post in a discussion appears to be empty. I do see the post now... Is anyone else still having trouble seeing it?

 

[ffrog]

It seems we're having an issue where sometimes the first post in a discussion appears to be empty. I do see the post now... Is anyone else still having trouble seeing it?

I still cannot see the original.
That explains why others have responded.
My apologies to the original poster.
Can you delete my post?


It just came up, it was shifted to the right side of the pane and hiding under an ad.
Thanks.

 

[Gimmo]

I just bought a 2012 Enclave. My mother is 83 yrs old, has very weak legs and has to use a walker, she lives with me and we drive her anywhere she has to go. For this reason (and appearance) I had the dealer install the running boards (step assist). It does lower the height of your step-up by about 8 inches. Just the appearance of the running boards makes the Enclave look much better. Altho she is out of state visiting my sister at this time and has not gotten to ride in the Enclave yet, I think she will have no problems getting in and out and there is plenty of room for her. The rear seats armrest do fold up, have plenty of leg room and do recline some and are comfortable.They are not that easy to move so you may want to adjust them yourself before them getting in. The third row seating does not have much room, fine for a child but not an adult, they do fold down to a level surface which gives you plenty of cargo room. I do have the roof rails, they look very nice and sturdy and are adjustable and easy to move. Buick does sell the hardshell storage container to go on the roof or one that slides into the towing package hitch, which would be easier to get things in and out of and also not cut down your gas mileage as much as one on the roof would. I honestly don't think you will find one with more comfort, room or beauty. We looked at Lincolns, Cadillacs, Acuras, Hondas, Nissans, Arcadias and none of them stood out like the Buick did.

 

[bob-n]

My wife and I are in our seventies. My wife has had cancer, and although it looks as though she's beaten the disease, the cancer/chemo/radiation therapy left her pretty beaten up, with very weak muscles. It seems as though the best car we've come across as regards getting in and out is our 2011 Enclave. We bought it originally mainly for its towing capacity, as we had a camper trailer. However, when we sold the trailer we thought that we could down-size from the Enclave, 'cos we really didn't need such a big car any more. I was quite taken with the Cadillac ATS, but my wife found that it was very difficult to exit because of the foot wells. That's something that never occurred to me before, but you have to lift your legs over the sill to get out, and that apparently is difficult for someone with weak leg muscles to do, from the sitting position. She pointed out that the Enclave floor is flat - it's even with the door exit, so she can just slide her feet out through the door. It's surprising how many cars have footwells that require you to lift up your feet to exit the car. We do have running boards, which help, too. (I must admit that I originally had them installed to dress up the car a bit, not because of their convenience factor, so it is a bit fortuitous that we have them). The other thing she likes about the Enclave is that the passenger grab-handle is on the 'A' pillar (the windshield frame), which she finds convenient. A lot of cars have the grab handle above the door, which is a bit awkward. So now when we go car shopping, our main consideration is whether or not my wife can get in and out of the car! Mind you, if we stick to buying Enclaves, I can't object - I really like the car. It rides beautifully on the highway and you can drive for hours without getting weary. And I really like the new models for the way they have vastly improved the interior.

 

[CubsFanJeff]

deleted message to person saying I had not posted any information. Appears to be a system error on the web site.

 

[CubsFanJeff]

Thanks to those that read my post and took the time to provide a nice reply. Your input is appreciated.