Welcome Warren.
I'm sure if you can find other local owners someone will let you have a drive (or at least test out the driving position). There is a little more space in post Sept/Oct '97 vehicles known as long door cars. Can't match your height, but can the weight and I don't have any trouble with my '76 4/4.
Hood up there is NO elegant way in or out of the car - but then all Mog people know that
Hoods are only for heavy
(and hailstorms
).
Good luck with your search
