Yahoo Finance I Have Driven Over 10 Car Models: These Are the 5 Best and Worst for Retirees
Not everyone has the luxury or money to afford to buy a new car when they are retired. While you might have saved up over the years, cashed in any retirement plans or pensions, and are now getting a check every month from Social Security, it still could be a risk to get a new vehicle. When retirees seek to buy a new set of wheels, they need to know they are getting the best and not the worst on the lot.
Check Out: 8 Best Luxury Cars for Wealthy Retirees
Read More: 3 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money
“I never recommend luxury and sports cars for retirees, especially those in the middle class,” said Ben Michael, the director of auto at Michael & Associates. “The thing about these kinds of cars is that not only are they significantly more expensive to buy, but they are usually also much more expensive to repair.
“It costs more to get the parts you need and to receive more particular service, and these kinds of cars also actually require maintenance more often,” Michael said. “When you are a middle-class retiree, you are probably sticking to a relatively strict fixed income. Cars like these don’t factor into that well.”
GOBankingRates asked an automotive expert who has driven over 10 car models to reveal the best and worst cars for retirees. This is what made the cut.
The 5 Best Cars for Retirees
Here’s a look at the ones retirees should consider.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry never goes out of favor among retirees, according to James White, an auto repair expert with Amazing Moves.
“The smooth ride to excellent fuel economy, coupled with top-rated safety features, makes it a true winner,” White added. “It’s comfortable seating for long drives and the reliability of the car reduce much of the worries about maintenance.
White said the Camry’s “…reliability and comfort make it a top pick for retirees. It’s a car you can depend on for years.”
Explore More: 7 Best Cars for Retirees on a Budget
Honda CR-V
With the Honda CR-V, you can ride higher, hence easily slide in and out of the vehicle, in White’s professional experience.
“You also have ample cargo space to accommodate trips and errands,” White said. “The reputation for long life and low maintenance cost enhances the appeal of the CR-V.”
White added that the CR-V’s practicality and comfort are hard to beat.
“It’s perfect for retirees who want convenience and reliability.”
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback, according to White, “delivers a marriage between an SUV and the comfort of a sedan.”
“The Outback is mainly known for its all-wheel drive, which makes it good in most kinds of driving conditions,” said White, who pointed out the fact that this Subaru is known for being a smooth drive, offering a comfortable ride for all occupants.
“The Outback’s versatility and safety features make it an excellent option for active retirees,” White said.
Kia Soul
White reported that in his experience with Kia’s box-shaped designed Soul, a driver and their passengers are provided with a spacious interior and great visibility.
“It is also ultra-budget-friendly and has a robust warranty that assures low cost of ownership in the long run,” White added. “The ease of maneuverability adds to the plus points while driving in the city.”
White concluded that the “…Kia Soul is a great option for retirees looking for style, practicality, and economy.”
Lexus ES
For those who want luxury, White championed the Lexus ES, which offers a very quiet and smooth ride. That, coupled with various high-quality materials and protection from advanced safety features, makes it a dream car for seniors in retirement.
However, White highlighted that the Lexus ES is still a Lexus and does “…come at quite a price but offer relatively high levels of comfort and reliability.”
The 5 Worst Cars for Retirees
These cars are ones retirees might want to avoid.
Mini Cooper
It’s small and that means the Mini Cooper is hard to get in and out of, which might prove tough for retirees with health concerns.
“Though highly pleasurable to drive and chic in numerous ways, the Mini Cooper could turn out to be a bit of a hassle for seniors since it is quite small and the seating is rather low,” White described. “The ride might become quite bumpy on bad roads, and cargo space may be rather limited.”
White also mentioned how the Mini Cooper’s style and agility come at the cost of comfort and practicality for retirees.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro has a similar problem to the Mini Cooper. While it is impressively designed for a sporty ride and comes fully equipped with a high-performance engine, White revealed its low seating position and firm suspension may not be the most ideal for retirement-age drivers.
“Then, there’s the reduced all-around visibility and small trunk space, both of which make it an even less useful vehicle,” White said. “The Camaro is better suited for thrill-seekers than retirees looking for comfort and convenience.”
Jeep Wrangler
“While this vehicle — the Jeep Wrangler — is very off-road capable, the significant rugged ride and high step-in height will be a challenge for retirees compared to most SUVs,” White said.
The interior on this model, when compared with most modern SUVs, is not as refined, according to White’s experience behind this Jeep’s wheel.
“While adventurous, the Wrangler’s ride and accessibility are not suited for most retirees,” White added.
Smart Fortwo
On the plus side, the compact size allows the Smart Fortwo easy parking. On the negative side, it is very small inside and has no comfort features to mention, something which White thought might be “big negatives” for retirees.
“Ride quality is subpar, too, and definitely not fit for long journeys,” White explained. “The convenience of the Smart Fortwo driving in town doesn’t pay off by its lack of comfort and practicality for a retiree.”
Ford Mustang
“The Ford Mustang is the icon of a muscle car with incredibly strong performance,” White said. “Nevertheless, very low seating and sporting suspension can make it very uncomfortable for elderly drivers.”
Moreover, limited opportunities in the rear seats and cargo capacity make it even less practical.
“The Mustang’s appeal lies in its performance, not comfortable seating or retiree-friendly access,” White said.
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Have Driven Over 10 Car Models: These Are the 5 Best and Worst for Retirees
