Advice with car

amyk89
amyk89 Member Posts: 1
edited 11. Mar 2025, 09:23 in Living with arthritis

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has any advice for me with this please. I have RA & stupidly last July thought it would be a clever idea to order a Mini Cooper. I was unable to test drive it as it was the new electric model & the garages round me didn’t have any to see in person. I test drove the normal one for only 5 minutes and thought ah I’m sure it’ll be ok.

Fast forward to now, I can’t drive the car at all, I have to throw myself into it & I need someone to help me out. The suspension on the new model is rock solid so it just causes total agony when driving. If I want to get out the lease I’ve been asked to send in medical evidence to proof my disability & I can’t drive the car anymore, but I’m so worried they’ll say tough. You knew about your disability when taking out the car. I would like to swap the car for something higher so I can get in & out it ok & not driving a little go kart.

This has been a massive wake up call for me realising my disability does have more of an impact than I like to let on. Does anyone have any advice for what else I could try to back up my claims. I’m already including a letter from gp, consultant & occupational therapist.

Sorry this is a long winded stress rant! Thank you for any help or ideas :)

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,361

    Hello @amyk89 and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    You can but try the garage and see what they say. You are already getting supporting letters so it is worth a try. Also when you do find one you like see if you can try it for more than a 20 minute test drive.

    I hope you get this sorted soon.

    Best wishes

    Peter

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • MrDJ
    MrDJ Member Posts: 328

    Hi @amyk89 and welcome to the forum.

    I know the feeling when it comes to lower cars or much harder suspension.

    You mention its on lease, is that through Motability?

    I know they are pushing electric cars now but my previous bmw x2 hybrid was a pile of pants so i cancelled after 1 year and went for a 2 series coupe petrol which they accepted instantly.

    As mentioned you have letters already so maybe also a quick video of you getting in/out would prove how you are strugling with this model car.

    Keep us posted on how you get on.