I have a Honda Accord and I think it would meet your needs. The seats are very comfy with adjustable lumbar support. I don't have the GPS or backup cam and I wish I did.

You don't need to walk around car lots. Nearly all dealers have their inventory online. I would search through the cars until I found an interesting one and then go see it. I also used Truecar.com, Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) as well as the dealer's web site.

We have a Carsense here and I looked at their site and went there to drive cars. I liked that I could try different makes all in one spot, although I found their prices a bit high.

You really must drive them to decide which car you want. I thought I wanted a Hyundai Sonata until I drove it and I did not like the feel of it.

Good luck. It is stressful, especially if you are doing it on your own. You are smart to by a pre-owned car. I always do. You get so much more for your money. Let someone else take the big depreciation hit. I do always have my mechanic check it before I buy.

My father bought a brand new Honda Accord in December 2011. He really liked that car. However, he is 91 years old and has ankle and back problems (from his WWII service), so it was hard for him to get into and out of the car. In April 2013, Dad traded the Accord in on a brand new Honda CR-V. He absolutely loves this car!!

Since you have had hip replacement, I hope you will check out the CR-V--it really is a lot easier and more comfortable. (The back-up camera is standard on all Hondas.)

We have the Chev Equinox with OnStar and GPS. Not sure if you could sit comfortable with hip problems, but you could try it out. Rated one of the best and so easy to drive and park. i like it better than the LaCrosse we have. It does have the back up camera, but I still look over my shoulder and behind me.

Try the new 2013 Buick Encore or Buick Enclave. Since you're already in a Buick, the transition should be easy. They're good looking and really nice on the inside. If you've had success with the LaCrosse, I'd stick to Buick.

We had a Buick Rendezvous which we loved and it is a lot like the vehicle above. Right now we have a convertible, but will be buying another small suv soon.

How old is your LaCrosse? Have you 'valued' it on Carmax or Edmunds? You might just keep it and add new tires. Is it due some major service?

I'm very sorry Jaguar stopped making our car in '07; I'd buy it again. All the luxury -- leather, Alpine sound, etc., but small size. It's a Jaguar X-Type VDP (24K miles). It's been perfect for our short distance driving.

We've often bought a 'last year's model' with a few miles on it. If it's dealer certified, it usually has a long and extendable warranty. We've spent *nothing* on our current car beyond filling the tank. (It will need new tires soon.)

dedtired -- We had a Hyundai Sonata last winter on Maui. Awful car. We also had a Kia once -- what a piece of tin -- slam the car door and the whole car rocks.

For visibility on the road and ease of entering and exiting the car, my mother drives a Ford Escape, one of the smaller SUVs. It has the advantage too of allowing her to place her groceries, packages, at a good height in back for removing those once she's pulled into her garage to not bend then lift. She's had both hips replaced and has osteoporosis at 86, is 5'2" and about 125 pounds.

Like all SUVs, it does have a bit of a blind spot to the rear right so looking over one's shoulder is always a good idea before making lane changes.

I've had hip surgery myself and have driven an Explorer for the last 30+ years - not the same one, I've had three now :) DH, who drives a Ford 250, and I both find it easier to get up into a larger or taller vehicle than down into a smaller one.

The deal breaker for me any more is heated seats. We don't operate at the same temperature and I was always too cool driving with DH, and if I was comfortable he was too warm. The electronically adjustable (lumbar too) individually heated seats have solved that, but I have to say its so nice for an achy back (and mine hurts a lot of days) I am warming my backside when driving alone too.
Most makes of cars offer them, although not always in the base models, you have to go up a little in the extras.

If you are happy with your Buick, you may want to get another Buick. We had been buying the Buick Century but GM discontinued them and replaced them with the Lacrosse. We didn't like the Lacrosse so we bought a Toyota. We are not happy with the Toyota and are sorry we didn't try a different Buick. We still have our 2005, Century, approx. 125,000 miles, and use it more than the Toyota.

My mom, age 96, has trouble getting into the taller cars, such as an SUV. It seems that the sedans are easy to get in and the SUVs are easy to get out! I considered a CR-V and there are times that I wish I had gotten one. I like my Accord but it is a big car for just me. On the other hand that huge trunk has been a big help at times.

Consumer Rpts rated the Sonata as a top car which is why I tried it. I found it to be too loose and rolly, if that makes any sense. I like a tighter feel. I really wanted an Acura TSX but couldn't stretch my budget.

My 77 yr old mother has trouble getting in and out of cars. She also likes a wide and deep seat to support her legs. They recently bought a Ford Fusion and really like it. I like driving it too. It is very roomy.

They came very close to buying a Chrysler 300.

Edited to add: make a list of what you want to see and drive. You could call each dealer and make an appointment. Explain to them you are not able to walk the lot, so could they please have "this" car ready for you to test drive. I am sure they will be most accomodating. :)

Good Luck!

This post was edited by salgal on Thu, Jul 25, 13 at 8:29

that's my problem I want a good seat! I also don't want to lose the space I have with my chevy venture...
gosh too bad buick did away with the century! that was one great car...in fact I think the buick is the best division of gm...

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.... I am "knocking on wood", but my Buick Lacrosse is a very good car....never done anything to it, other than tires and a battery. It is just about time for some of the 100,000 mile check ups..spark plugs, etc...but except for the usual servicing, it has been very good for me. Maybe the service man is right...the old gal has another 100,000 miles in her!...I can hope. I visited with a lady yesterday that has a Buick that she bought with 120,000 on it and has 230,000 on it now...and has no plans of trading it off. Maybe the old saying is right...nothing rides like a Buick, because mine is a comfortable ride....maybe I am just being overly cautious and worrying for nothing.

Phoggie, If you car has no problems I would keep it. First of all when you buy a used car you never know why the person sold it.

I have 2 Buick's, one is 26 years old a LeSabre & has 250,000 miles on it & still going strong. The other Buick is 27 years old & has 150,000 miles on it, that is a Grand National. I would not give either car up.

If you do purchase another car I wish you luck. Today they say 100,000 on a car is nothing to worry about. It sounds like you take care of it.

Thanks, Mary....it sounds like you have had very good luck with Buicks also. I think I might just keep it for the time being. It is comfortable for my joints, gets about 29 highway mpg..no dents, except for a couple of door dings, leather is just like new...I love my On-Star and heated seats...I do know it has had good regular maintenance...it is a '05, so taxes and insurance would be much lower. My kids are just concerned about me on the roads, but with the advantage of cell phones, AAA, towing insurance, and On-Star, I feel pretty safe..as long as I stay inside my car until help arrives, should Iever need it. This is the longest I have ever kept a vehicle...but then this is the longest I have ever had this old body! LOL