When was the last C70 coupe?

[scot850]

That is usually all I have left after a round!

Neil.

[BlackBart]

My reason for the question is that I'm researching suitable cars for my brother-in-law. He has been paralyzed since he was a teenager (paraplegic) and had a nice career flying about the world for a large tech corporation. Retired now.

He needs a coupe or 2-door with a long door so that he can hop in, slide over onto the console top, then fold the seat forward so that he can swing his chair into the back seat area (he has often taken the rear seat out to avoid trashing it and for more room).

There are very few 2-doors being produced these days, except for some very expensive sports cars or too-low "sporty" coupes. You need to transfer across fairly level to the car seat from your chair. Most have a high console that's in the way.

He had a vintage Mustang notchback in college - plenty of room. He had a nice Accord coupe and drove it a million miles. He should have traded up to one of the last big Accord coupes they made and kept it - I think that was the mid-teens.

He bought one of the 2-door Golf diesels (from the great VW dieselgate cheat). It was roomy, comfortable, easy to get in and out of, sport suspension, 17" wheels, torquey and quick, amazing mileage, reliable. He loved it. Then they bought it back. Still makes him mad.

The last gasoline 2-door Golf in the US was about 2015-16. Many of those have been ruined by tuner boyz or they're worn out GTI's.

He now has a Honda Civic Coupe with some sort of touring option. Seating position is too low - scooped low bucket seats. Seat bolster is difficult to get out of. Too hard to get the chair into the back seat, so he takes off the quick-release wheels and pulls it across him to the passenger seat. Difficult and tedious, and it's beating up the passenger seat. And an issue if you're taking a passenger along.

He expressed interest in the C70 some time ago - when they were still selling them new. He decided high mileage was a priority and selected the Honda.

None of the new hybrids or EV's suit those needs, almost all are 4-door crossovers - short doors, a door post in the way, too high. Small pickups are too high to get into.

We discussed the BMW i3, which has clamshell suicide doors with no post for a huge opening, and cool interiors. Their range, even with the optional generator "range extender" engine, is 150 to 170 miles if you're lucky. And what about winter range? And what if you're stranded somewhere and in a wheelchair? He's not sold on pure EV's for his needs.

So, he's tired of the Honda and never liked the star trek styling era, and the interior is not holding up.

2016 Golf 2-door?
Mustang? (no he says)
Older BMW 3-series coupe?
BMW i3?
Older Mercedes coupe?
Volvo C70 or C30?
Mid-teens Honda Accord coupe?
Hyundai Veloster? (too low and no longer made)

He is not in a position to refresh or restore a car with old hoses and systems, and lack of parts support. You'd need a totally restored example of something reliable, and then a local independent who would take care of it. He often makes a 900 mile one-way trip across the middle of nowhere and back.

[xanthefin]

I personally stay away suggesting cars to others as when they get some expensive oopsie need replace this or that and what next i feel personally being responsible.

[BlackBart]

Yep, fair point.

[scot850]

That is all you can do. I recommend they have the car inspected at a dealer. That way the responsibility for the bad car is on them. I will do a quick check for major issues for them to decide to even spend that money.

Now, most of the time I am helping fix cars where they did not do that!

Neil.

[BlackBart]

I’m 1000 miles away, so that helps.

[xanthefin]

Yep, fair point.

I done it twice now being Pro Volvo and first had to replace something for his P2 Volvo variable timing thing and it did cost honey and second guy jumped too before that and he had to repair his gearbox so i these days rather stay silent.

[abscate]

Crap. I just promised Moms Golf to my sister-in-law, its a proverbial 2 door 2013 base

...and I just remembered its a stick shift, which is less than helpful

[BlackBart]

Yep, has to be auto for hand controls, but thanks!

[Goupil]

not a convertible, yet. just add sawzall.

done, what's the next step ?