9 Best Used Cars For Seniors to Buy in 2024

9 Best Used Cars For Seniors

1. Toyota RAV4

Why it's a good choice: The Toyota RAV4 is a popular choice for many reasons, including its reliability, safety ratings, and spacious cargo space. It also boasts a low step-in height and wide door openings, making it easy for seniors to get in and out.

Price range: $14,850 - $35,000+

2. Honda CR-V

Why it's a good choice: Another reliable option, the Honda CR-V is known for its spacious interior with a comfortable seat height and large doors.

Price range: $12,492 - $38,000+

3. Subaru Forester

Why it's a good choice: The Subaru Forester is a great option for seniors who live in areas with a lot of snow or rain. It comes standard with all-wheel drive for extra traction and has a tall stance with wide door openings and ample legroom.

Price range: $11,500 - $30,000+

4. Buick Encore

Why it's a good choice: This subcompact SUV is a great option for seniors who are looking for a smaller, more maneuverable SUV. It's also known for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and user-friendly infotainment system, with large buttons and knobs, ideal for older drivers.

Price range: $12,000 - $25,000+

5. Kia Telluride

Why it's a good choice: The Kia Telluride offers a lot of value for the money, with a long list of standard features and a comfortable ride. It also has a high seating position, wide doors, and a spacious interior, making it one of the best cars for older drivers.

Price range: $25,000 (2020) - $45,000+

6. Lexus RX

Why it's a good choice: Renowned for its luxurious ride and exceptional safety features, the Lexus RX offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring driving experience. It boasts a spacious interior with easy ingress and egress thanks to its higher seating position. Additionally, Lexus vehicles are known for their reliability, which can translate to lower maintenance costs in the long run.

Price range: $25,000 - $50,000+

7. Acura RDX

Why it's a good choice: The Acura RDX provides a good balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride. It offers a plethora of features that can be helpful for seniors, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. Additionally, Acura is known for its reliability, reducing potential repair worries.

Price range: $20,000 - $35,00+

8. Honda Pilot

Why it's a good choice: The Honda Pilot is a great option for seniors who need extra passenger or cargo space. It prioritizes comfort with a smooth ride and plenty of legroom for all passengers. Honda is known for its exceptional reliability and affordability when it comes to maintenance.

Price range: $15,000 - $30,000+

9. Toyota Highlander

Why it's a good choice: Similar to the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable ride with excellent safety features. It's known for its legendary reliability, making it a worry-free choice for many drivers.

Price range: $15,000 to $30,000+

Why Choose an SUV for Seniors?

There are several reasons why SUVs can be a good choice for seniors:

Easier Entry and Exit:

• Higher seating position: SUVs have a higher ride height compared to sedans. This means less bending and lowering yourself significantly to get into the vehicle. This can be a big advantage for seniors who may have knee pain or difficulty with mobility, making it one of the best cars for older drivers.
• Wider door openings: SUVs typically have wider door openings than sedans, making it easier to get in and out.

Improved Visibility:

• Higher vantage point: The elevated seating position of an SUV offers a better view of the road ahead and around the vehicle. This can be helpful for seniors who may have reduced peripheral vision or difficulty judging distances.

Cargo Space and Passenger Comfort:

• More cargo space: Many SUVs offer significantly more cargo space than sedans. This can be helpful for seniors who travel with grandchildren, hobbies, or groceries.
• Comfortable seating: SUVs often have more spacious interiors and comfortable seating compared to sedans, providing better legroom and headroom for seniors and passengers.

Safety Features:

• Many SUVs come equipped with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features can be especially helpful for seniors who may want extra peace of mind while driving.

All-Wheel Drive Option:

• Some SUVs offer all-wheel drive (AWD), which can be beneficial for seniors living in areas with harsh weather conditions like snow or rain. AWD paired with automatic emergency braking enhances safety. It offers improved traction and control on slippery surfaces.

Here are some drawbacks too:

• Fuel Efficiency: Due to their increased size and weight, SUVs generally have lower fuel efficiency compared to sedans.
• Maneuverability: Large SUVs can be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces like parking lots.
• Cost: SUVs are generally more expensive than sedans, both in terms of purchase price and fuel costs.

Ultimately, the decision of whether an SUV is the right choice for a senior depends on their individual needs and preferences. When buying a used car, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consider factors like driving habits, budget, and physical limitations. This careful consideration ensures that the chosen vehicle meets the specific requirements and enhances the overall driving experience for seniors.

Additional Factors to Consider

• Driver's seat adjustability: look out the seats with extensive power adjustment options to ensure a comfortable seating position.
• Heated seats: Can be a huge comfort feature in cold weather.
• Blind-spot monitoring: Provides a valuable safety feature, especially in crowded parking lots.
• Rearview camera: This makes parking and backing up much easier, especially in new cars equipped with rearview cameras.
• Large touchscreen buttons: Easier to see and use than small buttons
• Voice-activated controls: Allow for hands-free operation of features like navigation and audio.

Remember, a test drive is crucial to ensure the car meets your specific needs and comfort preferences.

Summary

Choosing the right car can be a big decision, especially for seniors. This year's used car market offers a variety of options that prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. Whether you need a reliable SUV for errands or a fuel-efficient sedan for cruising, there's a perfect match out there waiting for you.

Key Takeaways:

• SUVs reign supreme: For many seniors, SUVs offer the best combination of easy entry/exit, good visibility, and cargo space.
• Safety first: Look for features like blind-spot monitoring, rearview cameras, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for added peace of mind.
• Consider your needs: Think about your lifestyle, budget, and physical limitations when making your choice. Don't be afraid to prioritize comfort features like heated seats and adjustable seats.

United Auto Sales is a used car dealership near Wasilla, Palmer, Fairbanks, Soldotna, and Kenai, Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best car for a 65 year old?

The Subaru Forester is ideal for a 65-year-old, offering comfort, safety, and ease of access.

What is the best car or SUV for seniors?

The Honda CR-V is highly recommended for seniors, providing reliability, a spacious interior, and advanced safety features.

What is the best age to buy a second-hand car?

The best age to buy a second-hand car is around 3 to 5 years old, balancing depreciation and reliability.

What matters more, car age or mileage?

Mileage is often more important than age. A well-maintained 10-year-old car with low mileage can be a good choice, while a poorly maintained 3-year-old car with high mileage might be risky.