Retirement is Fun! However, we need to make some decisions which will ease life for us in our advanced years. One such decision is buying a car, which is both a convenience and necessity for a retiree.
What's the perfect car for a retiree? There is no straight answer to this as preferences differ. Choosing a car for your retirement requires some thought. Your answer to the following questions should help you a lot in making this important decision.
- Is it the perfect fit?
- What is the visibility? You do not want to drive a car with a limited line of sight; you can easily cause an accident.
- Is it comfortable?
- Is it reliable?
- How accessible is it?
- Last but not least, how safe is it?
We've discussed these considerations at length below; please read on for more information.
Is it better for seniors to buy or lease a vehicle?
The answer to this is simple: PLAN! You are retired and living off your savings, meaning your buying decisions will have to change. It would be best if you decided to buy or lease based on your available finances.
Leases are attractive. You make monthly payments for the use of the car and will only have to worry about buying gas. You may also opt to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease period. The other thing that makes leases attractive is the fact that you can lease several cars, and in the process, identify one that's ideal for you.
Buying is a one-time thing. You pay the cash and own the car. There will be no monthly payments and mileage limits to worry about as is the case when leasing. You will, however, have to pay for insurance and maintenance.
This information will help you decide whether to buy or lease.
As a senior driver, what should I look for in a car?
Don't be the type of buyer who pays, gets in behind the wheel, and drives off. Take your time and find out if the car is right for you or not. You should consider the following:
Comfort
Comfort is more than having well-cushioned seats. The seats need to be firm, adjustable, and with good support. We would advise retirees to go for heated seats because they can soothe a sore back.
It should be easy for you to reach the pedals. If you notice that you’d need to lean towards the steering wheel to reach the pedal, ditch that car. There should be enough space between you and the steering wheel to allow for easier deployment of airbags in case you get into an accident.
Make sure that buttons and control dials are within your reach as you drive. You can’t afford distractions, like reaching far for temperature knobs and such.
Line of sight
You do not want a car with limited visibility; that's inviting disaster. New models come with intricate styling, but at times this hinders visibility. Before you buy, get into the car, and while at the driver's seat, make sure you can see the front, rear and sides.
Accessibility
You need a car that is easily accessible. Sporty cars sit lower to the ground, making it a challenge to enter and exit them. Large SUVs are much taller, making it difficult to climb. But mid-sized sedans and SUVs are the perfect fit for retirees. Small SUVs you could buy include the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.
Before you buy, make sure you can easily get in and out of the car.
Safety and reliability
Modern cars come with several safety features. It would be best if you asked the salesperson to explain the safety features to you and how they will assist you. Some essential features are forward-collision warning, reverse camera and a blind spot detection system. Other newer features include the 3600 view cameras fitted in the new 2020 Land Rover Defender (which we hope will be added to smaller cars).
When it comes to reliability, you need a car that requires less maintenance. Do your research: What do people have to say about the car with regards to maintenance? Have there been any recalls? You can seek the help of an experienced mechanic.
What is the best car to buy for retirement?
This list comprises of cars that feature advanced safety and security features, infotainment systems, comfortable seats, and have good visibility.
Compact and Subcompact Cars
- Honda Jazz (aka Fit)
- Kia Cerato (aka Forte)
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Liberty (aka Legacy)
- Kia Soul
Subcompact SUV Cars
- Hyundai Kona
- Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan X-Trail (aka Rogue)
- Toyota RAV4
Retirement should be relaxing. You've worked all those years; you deserve a break, so buying a car for retirement should be a priority!
Speaking about convenience and ease, you should hear about Carpart.com.au. It’s a platform that’s perfect for car owners and retirees, where you can find car parts and transact with sellers online.
To request a part, you need to fill out a form, which we will then send out to our network of over 500 registered sellers and wreckers. Sellers who have the part you need will then send you their quotations, and you get to choose the best offer even before you pick up the phone! Ask for a quote today!
By Eric Anyega