good cars for tall driver?

[mmorriso]

My future brother-in-law is looking to replace his older Pontiac Grand Am that has 350,000k and $3000 outstanding on a loan for it.  He is 6'6", drives around 50,000k per year (primarily highway) and wants to get an 07 Pontiac Grand Prix.  He doesn't know much about cars, is financially in debt and I would like to help him decrease his transportation costs.  He seems to like GM cars (born and raised in Oshawa) so I was thinking a used Pontiac Vibe would be a better choice and if he insists on a newer sedan perhaps an 08+ Chevrolet Malibu.  Any other ideas from taller drivers out there? 

Thanks

 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

God, those Grand Prixs are a slinky waste of space. Good luck getting him into a Vibe being that tall, but I guess if he was driving a Grand Am he may go for anything  But that doesn't help you, does it? Anyway, I'm amazed at the space inefficiency and poor driving position designs many cars have. In the used market there are lots of choices but nothing off the top of my head that would be cheap, reliable, and good for 6-6ers.

[unctuous]

I'm 6'2" and cannot fit into a Gran Prix.  Get an Impala, lots of space and it will take the miles he puts on it.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Maybe look at a lightly used or even new $17 with 0% Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson? An Elantra Touring or Sonata may be okay too. Kia Soul has tonnes of head room and sits taller so that could be a good commuter option. The Astra I have is decently roomy (although low) and cheap if after for a new GM vehicle... could look at a newer Malibu or AURA but would think they'll be more money. '10 Equinox is great for taller people but just released so too expensive. The '09 is dirt cheap, but will rattle like crazy within a month.

If he's strictly after a sedan, the options all change. I have a hard time wrapping my head around people who only want sedans, but would be interested in what he winds up with. Good luck!

[mmorriso]

any opinions on the Chevrolet HHR (apart form the polarizing style) or 05+ Kia Sportage?  ie. tall driver fit, reliability, real world fuel economy

Thanks

[sirAQUAMAN64]

any opinions on the Chevrolet HHR (apart form the polarizing style)?  ie. tall driver fit, reliability, real world fuel economy

Thanks

I thought it drove okay, but wasn't the best environment. Felt like you were towering above the interior and had to lean forward to see signal lights ahead of you. Could do worse though. Consumer Reports finally recommends it in their latest issue.

Everyone's going to have a different interpretation.

Agree the Impala - tho super boring - is a better option than the Grand Prix for tall folks. Actually, the previous-gen Malibu wasn't bad in that regard either.

[Winklovic]

 

[dorin]

I found the Kia Soul disappointingly small-feeling inside.  On the other hand, the Nissan Versa astounded me with how roomy it is.

[airbalancer]

2009 Equinox  may have the room and cheap price

[Hank Horsey]

02MP5MT, have a look at my thread on this very subject over here:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,52979.0.html

I'm just shy of 6'5". Ended up buying an Outback, which lets me drive to the Calgary Stampede with my cowboy hat on.

If your brother-in-law likes GM my advice is don't knock Buick 'til you've tried it. The late models aren't even ugly.

The Malibu looks good to me. If you're in that market, might as well take Accord/Camry for a spin. (I rented a Camry a couple months ago and it was good. Telescopic steering wheel...). Nothing wrong with my Dad's Accord either (and it handles better than Camry).

I've rented Impalas before and liked them, at least as far as fit goes.

Your brother-in-law needs to go to a dealership and just sit in a bunch of cars. You can eliminate lots before you even flip the ignition. My wife says buying a car with me was like trying on pants.

[mmorriso]

thanks for all of the advice, I will pass it on.

[mmorriso]

2007 Pontiac Grand Prix was the final choice.