Are you thinking about replacing your car? Maybe you’re getting ready to hit the road for a summer trip. Or looking for a vehicle that’s better suited for driving the grandkids around. Perhaps you need a car that’s easier to get in and out of, or one that gets better mileage. Maybe it’s time to go electric?
Whatever your reasons may be for considering a different vehicle, the idea of car shopping can make anyone feel apprehensive—especially if it’s been a while since you last went through the process. On the other hand, maybe you look at it as an adventure with a big payoff for your efforts.
Either way, your best bet is to start by creating a list of vehicles you want to test-drive. Then you can get down to the nitty gritty of negotiating prices and deciding which one to buy.
Interested in car buying tips for seniors? Keep reading!
Electric, Hybrid or Gas?
One of the first decisions to ponder is how your new vehicle (new to you, that is, even if it’s pre-owned) will be powered.
If you’ve already owned an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid, then perhaps you want to buy another one. But if you’ve only ever driven gas-powered cars, you might need to do some research to determine whether an EV could be a good choice for you.
Each type of car has its advantages and disadvantages to consider. The lists below are not exhaustive but include points that may be particularly relevant to older adults.
Advantages of Electric Vehicles
One of the main reasons many drivers opt for an EV is the lower environmental impact it will have as compared with a conventional automobile. Even though the electricity used to charge the car battery may rely on fossil fuels, over the course of their lifetime EVs typically produce lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Other reasons for choosing an EV:
- Less expensive to maintain and operate (fewer moving parts to need repairs and no oil changes necessary!)
- Greater convenience—they can be plugged in and charged at home
- Electricity prices tend to be more stable than gas prices
- Quieter when running
Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
A higher sticker price is the primary drawback to buying an EV for many people. However, the upfront cost is typically offset by lower operating and repair costs over the life of the vehicle.
Other downsides:
- Limited driving range compared to gas tanks
- Long charging times
- Insurance may be higher (EVs are often more expensive to replace or repair if damaged in an accident)
- Mining for rare minerals used in EV battery packs is detrimental to the environment
- Improper battery disposal can harm the environment
- Charging stations may be hard to find on road trips, though the U.S. charging infrastructure is improving (and so is the driving range on individual models)
- Replacing the battery in an older EV may cost more than the value of the car
Car manufacturers and companies around the world are working to address environmental issues associated with EVs, such as finding ways to recycle used batteries into “new” ones.
You may have heard reasons not to buy an EV. This article by the Environmental Protection Agency dispels seven common EV myths.
What Are Hybrids?
A hybrid vehicle has both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor with a battery pack.
The combination has some of the disadvantages associated with both types of vehicles—for example, you still have to put gas in the car and have the oil changed, and the battery pack still presents environmental concerns.
But hybrids are significantly more fuel-efficient than vehicles that run solely on gas, and emissions are substantially lower.
This article by Consumer Reports explains how hybrid vehicles work and notes the benefits they offer.
Hybrids
The batteries in most hybrid cars charge automatically while the vehicle is being driven. The electric motor operates at low speeds and the gas engine at higher speeds or when more power is needed on inclines. The gas engine recharges the battery, as does a process called regenerative braking.
Plug-in hybrid models can be charged so they run mostly on electric power for the first 25 to 50 miles before the gas engine takes over. For drivers who use their vehicles mainly for short trips rather than long commutes, a plug-in hybrid can be a good choice.
Top Vehicle Choices for Older Adults
Technology evolves and car prices fluctuate, so be sure to look for up-to-date information when doing online research. AARP and Consumer Reports are generally considered trustworthy sources of helpful advice.
Some of the top recommendations we found:
Easiest car to get in and out of for seniors. Mobility issues and achy joints can make it more challenging for older adults to get in and out of a car. Small and midsize SUVs, as well as minivans, are often good options. According to this article by AARP, best cars for seniors looking for easy ingress and egress include four Honda models—CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey and Accord—as well as the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Santa Fe, Buick Enclave, Kia Carnival and Toyota Sienna. (AARP cited Consumer Reports as the source of these recommendations.)
Best SUV for seniors. More than half of the vehicles mentioned above are SUVs. If you need a larger SUV for driving your grandkids around or hauling more than groceries, AARP and Consumer Reports say the best choices for seniors with mobility issues are the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse.
An article by Edmunds offered these suggestions:
- Best subcompact SUVs—the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Crosstrek
- Best compact SUVs—the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4
- Best compact luxury SUV—the Audi Q5
Best small electric cars for seniors—Good options in this class, according to CarBuzz, include the Nissan Leaf, Volvo EX30 and Volkswagen ID.4. Other sources touted the virtues of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis Electrified GV70, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.
Useful Car Buying Tips for Seniors
- Look at costs other than price. Consider more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or the price you may be able to negotiate. What kind of mileage can you expect? How expensive will the vehicle be to maintain and repair? How much will insurance cost? Will the vehicle hold its resale value? If you buy the least expensive car on your list, will it cost you more than other options over time?
- Pay attention to safety features and visibility. Today’s cars are technologically enhanced with an assortment of safety features—like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alerts. You can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find safety ratings for specific models. While some online reviews rate vehicles on metrics such as safety and visibility, a test drive is the most effective way to determine how well you can see while behind the wheel.
- Evaluate the vehicle’s ergonomic factors. How easily can you adjust the position of the driver’s seat and steering wheel to make your driving experience comfortable? Can you adjust the volume and temperature settings while driving? Are the controls within easy reach? If the vehicle has a touch screen for certain controls, will you be comfortable using it or would you prefer traditional buttons and knobs? Is the headrest comfortable? Can you get in and out of the vehicle with relative ease?
This AAA article explains these and other tips in detail.
Should You Buy Your Next Car Online?
Even though most of us regularly purchase all sorts of items online these days, it may seem odd to think about buying a vehicle that way. Reasons to consider buying a car online rather than buying one in person at a dealership include:
- More convenient
- Saves time
- Greater selection from which to choose
- Easier to compare models and specific vehicles
- No high-pressure sales techniques
- Sites offering fixed pricing allow you to avoid the negotiating process
- Vehicles can be delivered to your door
The main argument against buying a vehicle online is that you typically can’t see and test-drive it before making your decision. Check into the return policy before purchasing a car online. Some sites offer a money-back guarantee within a certain window of time.
You could test-drive vehicles at dealerships and then make an online purchase, though you should expect salespeople at the dealerships to try to talk you into buying while you’re there.
New or Used?
This question is valid for car buyers of all ages but may be especially relevant for seniors on fixed-incomes. If you have a financial adviser, consult them on this.
Buying a certified, pre-owned car that’s only two or three years old may be your best option. You’ll get many, if not most, of the latest safety and tech features without the steep depreciation you’d have right after buying a new car.
When looking for the best used cars for seniors on a budget, consider a Toyota Camry or RAV4, Honda CR-V or Accord, Subaru Forester, Kia Soul, Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Leaf.
La Posada at Pusch Ridge Encourages ‘Green’ Driving
We’re pleased to offer Level 2 chargers and Level 1 plug-ins to accommodate residents and staff who drive EVs. To learn about our community and a lifestyle that engages with nature, call us at 520-314-6790.
Featured Image: Budimir Jevtic / Shutterstock
