At every age in life, drivers consider different components when looking for a new car. That is certainly the case for older drivers. Most in this demographic put a greater emphasis on factors such as visibility, safety features, easy-to-use systems and how comfortable it is to get in and out of the car. Or maybe, if they have recently retired, they decided it is time to finally splurge and get behind the wheel of their dream car. Whatever the situation, these are a few of the best cars for older drivers.
For The Practical Driver
MSRP: $25,895
MPG: 26 city / 33 highway
Crash Test: 5 stars
The Subaru Forester makes getting behind the wheel a cinch for older drivers – literally. Large doors and elevated seating allow for easy entrance and exit to and from the car. Once set to drive, the chair-like seating position coupled with big windows and thin pillars supply excellent driver visibility. The Forester’s climate and infotainment systems are straightforward and easy to use.
The Forester comes with a five-star crash test rating. Even better, Subaru has worked to significantly cut down on crashes thanks to EyeSight, the manufacturer’s driver assist technology. EyeSight works by equipping the car with dual color cameras near the rearview mirror. These cameras can monitor traffic movement, optimize cruise control and warn drivers if they sway outside the lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%.
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Download NowFor The Traveler
MSRP: $29,590
MPG: 24 city / 29 highway
Crash Test: 4 stars
With your nine-to-five days behind them, retirees have much more free time – and much more free time to travel. Whether visiting the grandkids or checking off a destination on their bucket list, retirees need the right car for all their future adventures.
The Kia Sorento is a midsized SUV with all the prerequisites needed for older drivers: comfortable seating, simple controls and available safety technology. What makes it perfect for long trips is the large, quiet cabin, comfortable ride, ample storage space and, most importantly, above-average highway gas mileage for a SUV. Check out our list of the most fuel-efficient cars.
Also, the Sorrento’s third row of seating can be folded down if you need more storage space or up to hold passengers, in case they do happen to visit the grandchildren.
For The Frugal Consumer
MSRP: $15,380
MPG: 32 city / 40 highway
Crash Test: 5 stars
The Versa was completely redesigned for 2021 (goodbye manually operated crank windows!) The makeover gave the subcompact sedan more legroom than one would expect, up to 15 cubic space of cargo room and a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
Safety is addressed with the Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a package of features including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams. The entry-level Versa S sedan retains Bluetooth functionality, but lacks the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration you can find in higher trims.
But above all, what makes the Nissan Versa one of the best cars for older drivers — or any driver? The price. With a base price of under $15,000, you will be hard-pressed to find a better value.
Want to see more inexpensive cars? Here’s our list of the cheapest new cars of 2022.
For The Dreamer
MSRP: $32,705
MPG: 20 city / 28 highway
Crash Test: N/A
Those recent retirees who waited to reach social security’s full benefit age (66) most likely started their driving career in the 1960s or early 70s. This era in automotive history was marked by the rise of muscle cars and there was no such car more popular than the Ford Mustang. Assuredly, many current retirees dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a Mustang. And if they weren’t able to then, now is the time. Finding a vintage Mustang may be challenging. Fortunately, the model is still going strong. In fact, it’s nearing its 60th anniversary.
While there are several model types to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a convertible. The Mustang Convertible EcoBoost models delivers 310 horsepower and gets 20/28 miles per gallon. And the powerful car still has a five-star safety rating thanks to features such as a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. The Mustang also comes standard with modern amenities like LED headlamps and lighting, active noise cancelation, six-speaker sound system, and leather wrapped steering wheel.
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For more car recommendations, check out our test drives.
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AAA Northeast is not affiliated with or sponsored by the car manufacturers discussed in this article. The article reflects our own independent analysis.
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Is there a list of best cars for short drivers? I have to try various gadgets to keep the seat belt off my neck. I’m about 5′ 3″ tall.
Hi and thanks for the question! Here are some suggestions from our Car Doctor John Paul: I have found the Subaru Outback, Kia Soul and Honda CR-V have enough adjustments in the seat and the shoulder harness height adjustment to find a comfortable seating position. For a little more upscale car, the Volvo XC-40 is pretty good. The other thing you might try is going to a big used car lot like Car Max where they have just about every late model vehicle and just try them out.
My 5′ tall wife bought a seat cushion from Amazon. “Car coccyx seat cushion pad . . . heightening wedge booster seat cushion for short people.” She says it does the job.
The Subaru Forester for 2022 is NOT good for older drivers. There is a problem with the design of the headlights. At night, you see black images in front of you – can’t tell if it’s something in the road or a shadow. Also alignment of headlights makes it extremely difficult to see road signs. There should be a recall on this car, but none is forthcoming.
Why do you keep recommending the Subaru Forester? What about the parasitic battery drain issues?
Nice idea to compile such a list, but shame on you for recommending only gasoline-powered cars. Retirees and seniors have a better sense of the future, having lived longer than young people, and are in the best position to model sustainable decisions by driving EVs. For the budget-conscious, please recommend the 2022 or ’23 Chevy Bolts, whose base price was just reduced by about $6,000. For those with a higher budget, the new Hyundai Ioniq 5s are the current car of the future, with only 18 min. to charge to 80% of capacity, and a 260-mile range.
Interesting list but disappointing that you don’t include at least one hybrid. The Toyota and Hyundai hybrid SUVs for example would be worth discussion. If you don’t think they rate then that would be worth saying also.
I think that the Subaru Forrester would be the perfect size vehicle for me, as a senior citizen, if only the Company would boost the gas mileage a little. According to news reports, Subaru will offer a Forrester with a hybrid setup for the 2024 season. I expect that my Toyota Corolla will hold up until then–it has been trouble-free and only has 189,000 miles on it. (It would have been considerably more if not for the pandemic.)
Nisson Versa, 32/40 mpg? Why don’t they make all cars beautiful, stylish, and desirable? I’d love to be driving around in a car, especially these days, that gets32/40 mpg! A great-looking Versa sized car that was as stylish as a Mercedes Coupe or a Camaro or do I say Bagatti, LOL, only smaller? I tried to find a new car that was stylish to use as an example but there aren’t any, they’re ALL UGLY? One of the Versa designers probably came up with a sporty Versa coupe with a convertible top and turned his drawings in and they said, “What a beautiful car, but no, it has to be ugly, especially if it’s going to get 32/40 mpg.” For the Versa, they picked the design by Poindexter Smith, who drew it up while eating his plain baloney sandwich on white bread during his lunch break. Oh well, the cars of the 21st century! Who knew?
I think you sell older drivers and retirees short by not including any electric vehicles in the story. I fall in both those categories, as does my height-challenged wife (4’11”). We’ve driven a Tesla Model 3 almost exclusively for 3.5 years and would never by choice go back to a fossil-fueled vehicle. Were I buying a car today, I’d probably go for a Tesla Model Y (easier to get in, out) or one of the smaller SUV crossovers (VW, Huynai, Kia, or even the other Ford Mustang, the electric one). No, these aren’t econo-boxes, but neither are they in the high-roller category (like the Telsa Model S or X, Audi/BWM/Benz EVs). And face it: many older people and retirees have more disposable income than working families with children. I consider myself pretty frugal, and I LOVE paying a fraction of what I would for gasoline or diesel and the very minimal maintenance costs. I also LOVE that I’m not perpetuating the unsustainable model of personal transportation that will continue to plague my children and grandchildren. And for those who disagree, I’ll address a few of the right-wing talking points: much of our electricity where I live is generated by clean or cleaner fuels — and even in those dwindling number of places that still use mostly coal, the toxic emissions are way less than burning fossil fuels in our cars. And I charge 90% of the time at home in the middle of the night (programmed right in my car or phone app) when demand is low. For every alleged inconvenience or supposed EV environmental issue, there is a reasonable response; educate yourselves before spewing the reactionary talking points.
My Cadillac CTS-V is perfect for a near nonagenarian. The Recaro seats are kind to my high mileage back and stiffening neck. When I hit the gas instead of the brake that supercharged V8 goes a long way to getting me the heck out of there before some minion-satrap tries to confiscate my driver’s license. Cadillac assures me that model will achieve 192 MPH. Hell – I can’t see that fast, so I generally limit myself to 135. Great cars for the elderly. 4 doors makes them easy to get in and out of. Be sure to remove the ‘V’ emblems.
I have been leasing the least expensive Lexus SUV. This September will be my 4th. For quality, comfort, reliability and safety it can’t be beat. This September I will be 86 and can’t wait to get my new one!
My wife and I bought a new Toyota Venza Hybrid and we are getting more than 43 mpg.
Glad you believe that statement.
To the “dreamer” list I’d submit the 2022 Kia Stinger V6 twin turbo. With 368hp, AWD, 4 doors and a hatch, it’s going to be easier to sell to your more practical partner, particularly if you have to drive through snow (the rear-wheel only Mustang is no doubt fun until it gets stuck). The Stinger doesn’t come in a convertible but it has a huge sunroof. Plus it’s fun as hell to drive and it’s rare enough to turn heads. Can’t beat the 5 year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper – 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.
I don’t see any 4WD vehicles with a good ground clearance here. I live in a rural area and need a vehicle with a good ground clearance and 4wd to get in and out in the winter. Do you think we all live in a paved and populated area. I’m staying out in the woods on our lake until they carry me out. I don’t need a sissy vehicle. Guess I’ll stay with my Tacoma.
why does the phrase ‘seniors and retirees’ transl;ate to BORING ? Not everyone at the age is feeble and broke. I’m 76 and just traded in my ’64 Corvette convertible 6 spd manual one a Ram 1500 Hemi . That Vette took us on more than a dozen cross country trips , best mileage we achieved was 32 mpg (pictures to prove it). Our main card has been a leased Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for the last dozen years. New every 3-4 years, always under warranty. Fellow retirees along my road drive a Tesla and an Escalade. This ‘best cars for seniors’ should have a couple of different tiers based on available funds and lifestyle.
First “REAL” car I’ve driven since 1957 – my new 2021 BMW 850i.
I purchased a pre-owned Honda Civic in 09.
No extended warranty. Waste of money. It takes me where I want to go. Have many miles on it.
I Can park anywhere.
These picks seem like your opinion not you actually driving them. You may be right. I have a Honda Crv Touring model. For those men married they have another woman telling them what ther’re doing wrong. I am a system engineer don’t buy a car smarter then yourself. I was responsible for the Lunor Module System that got the astronauts to and from the Lunar Landing. Thank God there is a switch to shut her off. Tom C
Ground Control to Major Tom: A clever fellow might find a way to de-select the voice of his his nagging co-wife in favour of the gentleman’s-club tones of Leonard Nimoy.
If the FEDS. really wanted to save the environment, they would outlaw SUV’s. Recommended Book: High and Mighty by Keith Bradsher. In it he makes the point that switching from a standard size car to a full size SUV for one year is the same waste as leaving your refrigerator door open for 6 years.
Where are are all the hazardous waste products going to go when your batteries wear out? I was a firefighter. Try putting out an electric vehicle fire; it ain’t fun. How about roof-top solar panels? They are live even if they fall on the ground and they too will have to be disposed of at some point with their hazardous waste products. China and India cause most pollution as does destruction of the Rain Forest in so.America.
please suggest for a 3oo lb. person. i have 2012 IMPALA WITH BENCH SEAT AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL ON STEERING WHEEL. IS THERE ANYTHING SIMILAR AVAILABLE.. Or at least without a console between the front seat.
Hi Herb, thanks for the question. Here’s what our Car Doctor John Paul has to say: There are no sedans available that I know of with bench seats, the last was your Impala and the Toyota Avalon. Now you are left with trucks. The Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe have 40/20/40 split bench seat options (adds $250-an extra front airbag needs to be included) For 2021 Ford GM and RAM offered six passenger seating with optional bench seats. Here is a picture from the GM website of the Suburban.
I have a 1998 Subaru Forester that I am still driving every day!!!!
Just take a breath and drive what you want. It’s your life.
I am an older driver and own a Jeep Cherokee and I love it. I don’t believe in limits according to age. If one has health problems then one needs to find ways to adjust for the limitations at any age. Electric cars will bring more pollution in the future with the use of batteries.
The Subaru Forester is a fine car but I’d like to see a little pep added to the package. Subaru used to offer its cars as either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. I don’t need all wheel drive. With a front wheel drive offering, you eliminate some weight and mechanical complexity (and things to go wrong). Weight savings and hybrids boost gas mileage. But I would never want an electric car. Life is too short for seniors to wait around for the thing to recharge. Note: I still miss riding around in my friend’s 1966 Corvette coupe. It had all the power you would ever need (as did my 1971 650 cc Triumph motorcycle).
Would you recommend a Toyota RAV 4 ? For seniors
With arthritis, I am concerned with getting in and out of SUV’s. I am interested to hear what the Senior community thinks about that.
I got a Forester in 2019 BECAUSE of arthritis. Getting in and out of a low to the ground car was very difficult on long trips. I would stiffen up and find it very hard to get out and walk. The higher, more upright position made it much easier. The trade off was the luxurious feel of my compact Acura to the more Spartan feel of the Forester. But, hands down, a good choice for me. The Mid size Acura SUV was a turbo in 2019 and I found it to be noisy.
I just heard the Toyota Avalon is gone after 2022, this is a BIG mistake, most Seniors do not want some Stupid Useless Vehicle (SUV) they are TOO Big, use TOO much gas & WE have no reason to have one unless you are a Hasidim with 7-8 kids. “I” want a BIG comfortable car as in the Avalon but NOT that STUPID CARNIVORE GRILL
A very safe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for seniors to consider is the 2021 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV compact SUV. This vehicle has incredible safety technology, luxurious comfort, high MPG, and really good looks. I’m expecting delivery in late September from theLincoln Louisville Kentucky Assembly Plant. I looked at the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, the Ford Escape PHEV, the Audi and BMW PHEVs which are all about the same size as the Corsair but none matched up in lux, tech or comfort. Buy made in America in any case.
So glad you included a convertible! (Though Mustang wouldn’t be my first choice.)
But why assume people are buying brand new cars? I imagine a lot of seniors have come by the wisdom of buying used cars.
What? No Hellcat?
We’re playing our endgame here so why skimp on power.
It comes with a power seat so ec will like it.
65 West 4th Street
This article was helpful. The electric vehicles will get better and better. I agree about the Toyota RAV4 being a good car to be considered. Where I live, AWD is very important. We are all going to need to change and adapt given climate realities. Our children and grandchildren will need a planet to live on.
A practical car for seniors is any plug in hybrid that suits you. I charge my Toyota Prius Prime from an ordinary wall outlet. It is rated to go 25 miles on a full charge, and it does in the worst winter weather. When temperatures are milder I get up to 38 miles on a charge, which last me 2 days of local driving. If I go farther, the gas engine kicks in for a total range of 640 miles. I have owned my used Prius pPrime for 10 months and only added $22. of gas. AND My municipal electric company offers up to $10 a month refund for charging during off-peak hours, easily accomplished by programming charging times on the car’s touchscreen.
I’m 78, been retired for 6 years. The first car I purchased in 2015 was the Toyota Highlander. Needed the 3-row seating for the grandsons. I’m now ready to purchase my next car, it will be a plug-in electric. Right now, I’m really interested in the new Ford F-150 Lighting.
I’m 78, been retired for 6 years. The first car I purchased in 2015 was the Toyota Highlander. Needed the 3-row seating for the grandsons. I’m now ready to purchase my next car, it will be a plug-in electric. Right now, I’m really interested in the new Ford F-150 Lighting.
I highly recommend the mustang. You are never too old to have fun. My daily driver is a Shelby 500 mustang. My first new car was a 66 mustang fastback.Both the forester and sore to are very comfortable and great and comfortable on long trips.The versa is a joke.It is very uncomfortable if you are over200 lbs and accelerates dangerously slow.
I am looking for a used car, but the extended warranty is a most. I used to lease cars, but prices are getting out of hand. I don’t need a car in need of repairs all the time. May be you got me confused with someone else. This is the first time I responded to you.
I am looking for a used car, but the extended warranty is a most. I used to lease cars, but prices are getting out of hand. I don’t need a car in need of repairs all the time.
After much research (and driving Volvos for decades) I now drive a Model Y (Tesla)
Economy, safety and performance are unparalleled.
No tune-ups, oil changes etc
No emissions….(and I remind skeptics that mining is not the same threat as greenhouse gas emissions).
It is easy to drive, charging is not an issue, and it is comfortable (and holds our two dogs).
It continues to amaze me that no deep investigation has ever been done in the clearly higher number of ‘rollover’ accidents with SUV’s versus sedans.
The Forrester has the Boxer Engine that sits lower on the chassis and stabilizes it, even though it’s higher off the ground than a sedan. One reason I own one.
I was shopping for a Fit a few years ago and found a smoking deal on a Prius C so bought that instead. It’s awesome – I average 54 mpg. I get even better mpgs depending on conditions.
If you are 5 feet tall or less it’s very hard to find a vehicle like the Forester that you can just step down from. You always have to jump a few inches down to reach the ground which sometimes causes ankle problems. Sedans are good for this but you lose out on visibility. What’s the best car for an older short person?
We have a Toyota RAV 4 Ltd from 2011. My wife is 4’9” and it is perfect for her!
I’m just under 5′. My RAV4 is a 2002. I want an SUV the same size, so trying to hang on to it as long as i can lol. Everything’s gigantic, but I’ve seen some on the road that appear smaller, have to check them out (CX5 for example (Mazda???). I don’t want or need wider and longer but I still want to be up as high as my ol’ rav.
I have a 2016 Mazda CX 5! Hands down the best car I ever owned, and I have been through many!
I honestly did not want an SUV .. and tried them all because I am only 5’ 1
And it’s so comfortable, beautiful ride, 25 miles? Maybe more depends on my driving … try them all and you will know ) Best of Luck 🤞
Might look at the Subaru Impreza. It has 7 trim levels. Ground clearance 5.1 inches while the Subaru Forester ground clearances 8.7 inches. https://www.subaru.com/compare/trims.html?compare=IMP&year=2022&navSection=2022%20Impreza
The Land Rover Diesel
Good review for older drivers like me.
The Honda Fit will not be available in the US for 2021. It is available in other countries (likely as the Honda Jazz).
People are NOT TOLD that the STAR SAFETY ratings are ONLY APPLICABLE to other vehicles IN YOUR WEIGHT/SIZE CLASS! In other words……If a Honda Fit/Toyota Prius gets hit by a full size Nissan Maxima sedan…… GOOD LUCK! (never mind a Ford F150 Pick -up Truck!! The Number 1 sold vehicle in Country!)
I will NOT drive a Small vehicle. Get a few year old LARGER SEDAN/Mid size SUV! ( drive a bit slower to get 75% same MPG as a mini car) My LIFE is worth the extra $1500 a YEAR in Gas! My current car was $34K new. I bought for $25K used, w 50K miles! I feel safe!
My feelings exactly. Another voice of reason. Not to mention this is still a depreciating asset.
The new Jazz sold in South Africa now is, to my mind, the best looking one yet. I’ll bet if Honda changed the name of the Fit to Jazz in the US, sales would increase enough to keep it in the market here. I’ll never understand why Honda didn’t do that. I drove one in Cape Town for 10 years, and it was a superb not-so-little car. Passengers over six feet tall were amazed at the rear seat legroom. I drive one here in the US now that it is 11 years old and will keep driving it until one of us dies.
Where are the Toyota products, specifically the Rav 4 hybrid? The best made cars and trucks in the world.
I will ask the same question—how about Toyota?
My husband and I each have a Honda Fit and love them. Regularly get 40mpg. The back seats fold in such a way as to give very good cargo space. No complaints. My husband will soon be ready for a new car and is disappointed the Fit will be discontinued.
The car expert in the local paper was asked if you had to drive cross country what car would you drive, not a pickup or an suv. He replied “Toyota Avalon, it’s roomy, comfortable, economical and it won’t break down. I have been driving an Avalon since 2015 and I love it.
I have had my Toyota Avalon Touring sedan since 2007 when I bought it new. It has been reliable and an all around wonderful driving experience. I may just hold onto it until it dies of old age. It has close to 120,000 miles on it already and is still going strong.
I bought my 1999 Toyota Avalon new and I love it. Still has only 90,000 miles on it. Yes, it’s had more repairs in the last ten years than when it was new/newer but it’s so comfortable, with a big back seat and trunk, that I don’t want to get rid of it. The size and weight of it make me feel safer.
After spending a few weeks car shopping with a bad back, we were shocked to find so very few newer vehicles come with power driver’s seats. With a fixed seat, I have an achy back after about 30-40 minutes of driving. So, in my husband’s words, we got a power seat with a car attached. Most of the time, to get the power seat, you have to buy the top of the line, for many extra thousands, and get things you totally don’t need or want. We are in our 70s. While we do play some music on our way somewhere, the trip is the important thing. We don’t need 8 speakers and all sorts of fancy sound. And we shouldn’t have to buy all that stuff to get the power seat. AAA should advocate for power seats to be an option on lower cost vehicles. As the population ages, this will become VERY popular. If we could have bought a different vehicle for thousands less and paid a few hundred for the seat option, we would have gladly done it. We really liked the Honda HRV, which is smaller and just right for us, but no power seat.
We got a new 2020 Honda CRV – AWD and while the seat is fairly hard (trying out some cushions this week), we love it. It takes quite a while to go from a 2010 Nissan Sentra to a 2020 with all sorts of fancy features, most of which we are still learning. But the first time I drove for an hour and was able to easily walk around, I truly appreciated the difference.
I’m not sure what you mean by power seats, but my 2020 Kia Soul moves back and forth, up and down and has a lumbar support, all powered by “button” controls on the side of the seat and it is also heated. I switched from my Subaru Forester, which I drove for 17 years. I’m short and it is a lot easier to reach the pedals in my Soul.. Very comfortable and I can see out the window without being too close to the wheel.
I have not test driven the latest generation of CRV, but the earlier versions were completely unsuitable for a tall person. There was nothing that I could do to fit behind the steering wheel, even though I am only 6’2″. The driver’s seat doesn’t slide back nearly far enough. I had to raise the power seat to get enough leg room, but then the steering wheel would not tilt high enough to get out of my lap. I had to straddle the wheel with my legs – a very uncomfortable driving position!
I’m with you Rich, only I want a Bentley convertible
I’m with you rich and Louis !! I’ll take a Corvette a 67 to be exact thank you !!
Brought a Prius Prime last Spring. I have solar panels that charge it every night and get up to 30 miles gas free every day, enough to do all local shopping and chores. Disposal of batteries is a valid concern but probably outweighed by the the lack of emissions.
I don’t understand “solar panels that charge it every night” since solar panels require direct day-time sunlight. I assume you meant you plug it in every night. BTW, it’s not just the disposal of lithium batteries which is an environmental problem, but the manufacture of these batteries is also very damaging to the environment. And, in many areas, batteries are charged with electricity from coal-fired power plants which is worse for the environment than burning gas.
I’m on my second Honda Fit. I loved my first one but increased driving on metropolitan beltways made the standard transmission tiresome. I’ve got a 2019 with CVT and it gets 40 MPG! Plus I have plenty of cargo space with seats down. Minuses are the inability to put a bike rack on it, No CD player and AC works on both low and high defrost, so its too easy to forget you’re using AC when you don’t need it.
Please update information on the Honda Fit. My husband waited a year to finally receive his 2020 Honda Fit in fall 2020. The Fit will no longer be sold in the US. In the rest of the world, it is now sold as the Jazz. There is no 2021 Fit. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33337398/honda-fit-discontinued-for-the-us-despite-new-global-model/
Hi Carolyn, you’re absolutely right — the Fit will be discontinued in 2021. That said, you can still purchase the 2020 model new and will be able to buy used for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we thought it made sense to continue to recommend it. Thank you for the comment!
Used vehicles are a more sustainable option than having a new vehicle produced, so it’s fine to recommend models that don’t have new ones available.
I have had my Forester for eleven years – love it! It’s the third Forester that I have had – they are the best!
Mines 11 years too. Stick equipped. WRX exhaust, larger rear sway bar 235-50 17 tires. It handles better than stock 31mpg on highway.
Forget the electric junk. Give me the Bullitt, or a GT convertible. Go out in style!
Hybrids and Electric. Yes, fuel economy, but how much more of a carbon footprint do these make when taking into account the necessary battery manufacturing plants pollution, and the disposal or recycling of the batteries?
Already been shown that the savings from the fuel economy far outweigh making the batteries over the life of the car.
I agree the low emissions outweigh the Hybrid Battery disposal issue. Having Remote start on my Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a great feature in the winter months. Nothing like having your seat and steering wheel warm when you get in. Little to no fuel used in that mode.
I have gotten the Toyota Corolla Hybrid when it was first introduced in 2020 and I have been waiting for it for a few years; I am certainly glad that I waited as its the most improved and mature high efficiency toyota gas hybrid that is modeled after its already field proven toyota prius gas hybrid engine driven power plant except in the case of the toyota corolla hybrid it’s exterior is wrapped in the very classic toyota corolla exterior chassis body. I get about 65mpg if I drive it gently on flat level ground without any headwinds or hills to fight which is just absolutely amazing and I have never ever before in my life driven a vehicle with such a high efficiency gas mileage which is quite refreshing indeed.
I have heard that Toyota Corolla’s are very high efficiency gas mpg vehicles so when they came out with the Toyota Corolla gas hybrid I knew that I simply must get that particular gas hybrid vehicle simply because of the amount of money that I would save at the gas pump would be equal to half the cost of its purchase price if I drive it about 250K mile or more which most Toyota Corolla can easily achieve; let alone a toyota corolla gas hybrid vehicle is going to easily be able to do at least 400K miles on a very conservative basis since they have won the consumer report’s editor’s choice awards many years in a row for nothing but the highest overall reliability and customer satisfaction ratings.
Forget the fact that those cars are half plastic but the rare earth minerals have to be shipped from around the world to be refined, mostly in Asia, causing even more pollution. https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2012/aug/07/china-rare-earth-village-pollution
Then, they are shipped elsewhere to be converted into the batteries. Then again shipped to the car manufacturers for assembly. They are then put on super car transports to be shipped around the world for sale. Before the vehicle is even sold, the vehicle and components have traveled the world 4-5Xs.
Eliminating Dodge Caravan is worrisome and none of these will help with craft fairs. Need middle row seats to fold down leaving space for tent, tables, boxes of merchandise.
I agree; we go to science fiction conventions with boxes of books and foldable bookcases. Right now we have a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country, which actually holds more than our old Ford Explorer did. And unless we hit the lottery we will be sticking with used cars.
Why not older 2. Nd gen Toyota highlanders? By far a better car than a Subaru for visability/ comfort etc
What are your thoughts about the Audi q3?
Where are the Electric/hybrid vehicles? That is what every senior should use! Fossil fuels will destroy the planet for our children and grandkids!
I was about to ask the same.
A RAV4 hybrid would be better than Kia IMHO. All the safety features of Subaru and much better milege.
Kia has more safety features than the Subaru and was listed #2 for safety behind the Tesla 3.
A RAV4 may be a good choice, but it depends on what a person values most in a car. I’ve had a RAV4 (the V6, no longer available), and replaced it with a Subaru Outback (also a V6, no longer available). The RAV4 had great acceleration and proved to be extremely reliable. But we wanted a more comfortable cruising vehicle for long trips. The Subaru’s low center of gravity and longer wheelbase makes a big difference- it was also quieter than the RAV4. The RAV4’s jittery ride made it uncomfortable for passengers on longer rides. (I know this is off topic, since we’re comparing traditional cars, but Vlad mentioned Subarus, and the only hybrid Subaru offers right now, the Crosstek, doesn’t compete against the RAV4.)
I agree Regina and was thinking the same thing – on equal par to affordability and safety should be fuel efficiency (or EV charged with non-polluting electricity) when considering a new car. We have less than 10 years to collectively stop trashing our environment, else living will be very difficult for future generations. I think most older people want to ensure a good life for future generations but people of all generations don’t equate their purchase decisions to a livable future.
EV is all and good, but not everyone has a garage and/or has a garage with electricity. I have a Toyota Prius V, and I’m sticking with that brand. It’s been reliable, the dealership is great. Not messing with a good thing.
I love mine too, but have heard they’ll no longer be made ????.
When do those 10 years begin? We have been told we have ten years before armageddon for the last 50 years.
You shouldn’t be telling people what they should drive. If they want an electric vehicle that’s their choice. Also, in the box above for choices, where is “none of the above”? I am 78 years old and still work as an attorney. I drive on average 35K miles per year (except for last year). None of the econo-boxes you mention above are comfortable enough to do that kind of mileage in.
No where did I see the AAA write “you should drive” in their comments. They just highlighted the positive attributes of each of the cars.
Most people who think because Gretta Thunberg and the government tell us we are destroying the planet by driving gasoline powered vehicles and not EV’s need to take a serious look at what it takes to build just the batteries for these vehicles. Partly it involves mining precious metals by diesel powered machinery, not electric, more electricity generation by coal and gas fired power plants and more. Then there are biofuels to supplement or replace gasoline. Manufacturing bio-fuels is literally destroying the earth. The pollution from a bio-fuel plant alone is hazardous, not to mention the mass destruction of forests – especially the Rain Forrest. Watch the documentary “Planet of the Humans” by Jeff Gibbs for more insight into EV’s and how clean they really aren’t. Jeff Gibbs is a self proclaimed “Tree Hugger” Environmentalist (his words, not mine). He did a deep dive into the manufacture of EV’s and also the production of Bio-fuels. He makes a very compelling argument against the manufacture of EV’s and Bio-fuel’s; the damage to our planet and the people who are getting richer by backing those industries. It’s a real eye opener. Personally, I will never own an electric vehicle. BIG money is pushing both EV’s and Bio-fuels under the guise of “saving the planet” but in reality they don’t care at all about the environment.
well said!
Exactly
If you don’t think Big Money is deeply imbedded in the fossil fuel industry, you aren’t thinking period. FFs are the most heavily subsidized industry in the US, and the lobbyists populate state and federal govts. like a plague. Though electric vehicles are not 100% green, they produce a fraction of the greenhouse gases and waste that a combustion engine car does. Even compared to biofuel vehicles. The only greenhouse gases produced are in the actual manufacturing of the car. If you have a home recharger, you will use electricity there, but that can be sourced via solar power, as friends in Montana do routinely. Also EVs require minimal repair/maintenance compared to other vehicles. Part of the infrastructure bills currently in the Congress provide for many more recharging stations, but already their number is increasing. Not many car owners require more than 350 miles per charge per day. Sorry for you, but you are fighting a cleaner, saner future. My nephew’s apartment building in Memphis has underground parking, and every apartment’s parking place is equipped with a recharger. Consider the welfare of everyone and every species, read real, well-researched books like Eliz. Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction, and you will understand the legitimate crisis we are experiencing. For in informed response to the Michael Moore /Jeff Gibbs film, go to https://www.vox.com/2020/4/28/21238597/michael-moore-planet-of-the-humans-climate-change. For a very comprehensive fact-checking and links to knowledgeable debunking of the film: https://climatenexus.org/climate-issues/energy/planet-of-the-humans-one-moore-rebuttal-to-widely-debunked-anti-renewables-documentary/. I’m no more a psychologist than I am a concert pianist, but ask yourself if M.Moore’s instinctive response to renewables might be colored by his lifelong championing of the traditional American auto industry, “fueled” by fossil fuels.
1,000% agree with you. It is very clear that many businesses that used to represent consumers are now in the pockets of Big Oil.
Reminds me of the wake-up call that Ralph Nader’s book: “Unsafe at Any Speed” was able to give the industry. Sadly, that lesson needs to be learned again.
There are alternatives to driving and/or driving so much. Walking. Public transportation. Driving less. Maintaining and keeping cars longer. Driving slower. Eating less meat. Conserving power and water. Many of us are the lucky people on this planet. Good decisions don’t have to be political battles. RM
Very well said!
In some ways, alas, every decision is political, including what we eat for breakfast and whether or not we leave the water running as we brush our teeth. All your ideas are excellent, but will not solve the biggest problems. Most of the country has no public transportation to speak of. And financing it is alarmingly political. Yes, we should all eat less or not meat, which would not only reduce methane in the atmosphere but add to our health and lessen or eliminate the ghastly cruelty of slaughterhouses. But how many of the people you know are willing to do that? Not nearly enough, I’m guessing. And try to find a shoe repair shop or doll hospital in your town! Walking more and driving less are terrific ideas, and we could all benefit from following these examples. But, for people who do not live in urban centers, the reality of getting from home to workplace alone requires at the very least carpooling, and after the 1970s oil/gas crisis, people went right back to their ingrained, wasteful, self-absorbed habits. Add to that the dimensions of this country, the distances people travel just to buy bread and milk. We don’t live in St. Mary Mead, like Jane Marple does. Which may be a reason we find her adventures so intriguing: everything is so much more human scale.
Guess who has a monopoly on the rare earth minerals necessary to these EV vehicles? — China, who apart from their human rights abuses, also happens to be one of the major polluters in the world — not very sustainable on either count for the future. Thank you John for pointing this out.
And guess what the major uses of rare earth minerals are. Fluorescent lighting, computers, cellphones, catalytic converters, glass polishing, dvd players, televisions…. And the mines are environmental disasters, so perhaps the choice is between letting the Chinese keep on being the world’s largest producer and doing away with all the items listed above. EVs use electromagnetic properties produced inside the engine to create movement, while with fossil fuel engines, the energy is obtained by explosion. Magnets are indeed the main elements in electric motors. The operation of the electric motor is composed of a magnetic coil that rotates by strong magnets that surround it. Nonetheless, electric car batteries don’t use much in the way of rare earth materials; they use the same battery materials as most consumer electronics…and gas-powered cars.
While I agree “BIG money” is pushing EV’s, I suspect even BIGGER money has been pushing big oil’s agenda for decades.
I also agree there are lots of hidden costs to producing EVs, the least of which are social, but any suggestion that EVs, in total, produce as much or more carbon gases is patently false. There are too many studies that confirm the total emissions (including the cost of battery production and disposal, electrical generation, etc.) are significantly less than ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.
You’re totally right. They forget that they need diesel fuel to run the electric generators. They need diesel fuel for a lot of these “environmentally friendly “ products. More propaganda being shoved down our throats. If there’s a fire around those solar panels many toxic gases are released plus they cause chemical burns to the firefighters. Landfills are already getting overpopulated by old wind turbines and the many batteries from electric cars. Totally toxic to the environment.
the new cars are built with the use of AI intelligence in a few years will drive themselves and could be used as private “Huber” or a “Lift, ”
except it will drive itself make money for the owners, and there will be fewer cars clogging the streets and making money for the owners
As per efficiency of energy, we need to stumble and fall till we will be able to run
the mining of lithium is in full swing, but the news way is to getting it
from draining for the substance in the swamps and the marshes
the new process has been done in the state of Arkansas with less effort and pollution; the new cars bodies are made of plastic which makes it less heavy and more efficient on the milage as per cupper material for wires they on their way out the material graphene will replace the plastic for the bodies and conductivity it is a superconductor of electricity low resistance and one of the lightest material and supper strong to replace the eventually the plastic, so let us give it time, and it will be a much better for our children and grandchildren
Is it true once trashed the electric batteries cannot be or don’t break down. Where can they be disposed?
Hi Sarah, thanks for the question! Here’s an answer from our Car Doctor, John Paul: Depending on the vehicle some EV battery are exchanged and then rebuilt. In this case is it only the faulty cells that need to be disposed of. I didn’t ever see a time when the batteries are recycled by the consumer/end user. But just like standard car batteries that are nearly 99 percent recyclable, EV batteries will be recycled. And like many emerging technologies there is a market for recycling lithium ion batteries. Currently it is 2 billion dollar business that may be worth 30 billion dollars in 2030 Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Market by Type, Source, Recycling Process and End Use: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 (researchandmarkets.com)
These are recommendations are for all retirees and your comfort is more affordable for you, a working lawyer. You made no mention of what car you drive in your argument for auto choices.
Actually the devastation caused by mining for the lithium needed to make the batteries for electric cars is far more detrimental to your grandchildren’s future. See, e.g., https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/06/business/lithium-mining-race.html . Although this article is heavily slanted toward trying to justify these practices, it still gives you some insight into the toll the production of these batteries is taking on the environment. Advocates for electric cars such as the EPA attempt to justify this destruction by measuring the damage only in terms of carbon output. However, while carbon may or may not have an impact on the environment long term –these mining practices have far more certain and immediate impact. On top of that electricity used to charge those vehicles has to come from somewhere–and more often than not that “somewhere” is not environmentally friendly. Again the EPA and other pro-electric “Fact checkers” claim that “research shows” that in many locations an EV will have a lower carbon footprint than a gas powered car. But the EPA does not give any references for this “research,” and even the EPA admits that the carbon footprint of an EV depends entirely on how electricity is generated in your area.
Excellent points Ron, I was thinking the exact thing in regard to “non-polluting electricity” and “eco-friendly lithium batteries”!
I agree with your comments plus much of the electric cars are not recyclable. There are issues with batteries igniting, as well as once on fire no matter the cause they can take high amounts of water to put out, one article stated at times 10,000 gallons. Since water is a precious commodity that is an issue too
Ron,
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON !!!
Bravo, Ron! “Fact checkers” rarely – if ever – produce the specific data to back up their “research.” I will continue to drive the vehicle that is powered by recycled dinosaurs.
Lithium is only the beginning, and it’s not the worst. Add to that nickel, copper, manganese and cobalt. Some of the world’s cobalt (THE secret ingredient in our smart phones and Tesla) is “mined” by poor children in the DRC (Congo), where 75% of the worlds’ supply comes from (in effect, controlled by China). Estimates are that electrification will increase copper and nickel demand by anywhere from 8 to 14-fold. Minnesota nimby’s recently rejected a copper mine application in that state. Then there’s “renewable” diesel = food for fuel. Look at the price inflation of soy and other vegetable oils. More planting of soy, rapeseed and palm insure that the Amazon and Kalimantan will continue to burn. And “non-polluting” electricity is generated only about 35% of the day. How will we store electricity for the other 65%? That’s why California has rolling blackouts. You won’t charge your EV overnight from your rooftop solar panels.
Relax, it is China, India and Brazil’s Amazon deforestation and Los Angeles that are causing the smog, pollution . As far as electric cars, hope that once is in place, we do not burn out the power grids.
I cannot think of to many reasons to buy an electric car. Typically they are more expensive to buy, expensive to electrify your house ( to charge), take a very long time to recharge. Buying an electric car will not save the planet. Where does the electricity come from ? how is electricity produced ? Do you know how “dirty” batteries are ( to make and recycle)?
The new graphene aluminum-ion battery charges 70X faster than a li-ion.battery and holds 3X the charge.
Fossil fuels( coal, natural gas ,petroleum)are used to generate electricity for electric cars, so you really can’t get away from fossil fuels.
The electricity in my home comes from local wind and solar farms. Trish T
Those wind turbines require 60 gallons of oil each. And solar panels contribute to global warming.
https://www.techtimes.com/amp/articles/257268/20210221/sahara-desert-solar-panels-are-contributing-to-global-warming-scientists-find-out.htm
Not true. In many areas “green” electricity options and community solar provide clean electricity at competitive pricing. For example, We signed up for community solar in NYS and pay 10% less for clean electricity, than our neighbors who choose to get their power from carbon-based providers.
For all that think electric is cleaner where do you think electricity comes from and also what do you think they do with the batteries when they are no longer good. Yes there is more solar energy but most of you electricity comes from fossil fuels or nuclear you are watching too much mainstream news that does not give you all the facts
Agree. I’m a confirmed petrol head having owned an AC3000ME and run a MX5 since 1994. But I can see the writing on the wall for fossil fuels. My SMO (see me out) car in retirment will be an electric of some description once my current gas cars run out of cost effective repairs. The MX5 will stay a toy just so I can change gears.
Not just that but my Tesla Model S, for example is much, much less stressful to take on long journeys. Our trips to Florida are so much easier in a Tesla.
I was thinking EV as well. My choice would be a Tesla Model S Plaid. While the young, whipper snappers are exponentially increasing their carbon footprints in Mustang GT’s and Challenger Hellcat’s, I can still blow their doors off in a drag race. I won’t have to be concerned about contributing to the destruction of the planet, even though I’m not going to be around to see it.
How do you generate the electricity?
Reducing pollution is one good reason to buy an EV. But there are others as well that may be of special interest to seniors. Their low operating and maintenance costs and high reliability are also excellent reasons to consider an EV. There is a lot less that can break.
One obstacle to EV buying for seniors is that they often can’t take full advantage of the tax credits on eligible vehicles. Seniors get a larger standard deduction, and it’s often true that significant parts of their income are from tax-exempt sources. As a result they don’t owe a lot of tax, and since the EV tax credit is not refundable they can’t receive it.
Get over it! Electric cars have hazardous batteries to recycle! Also electric car fires are v hard to put out!
For cheapest places to retire, the quality of local health care (will travel for quality care be needed), cost of assisted living & nursing homes & the availability of quality facilities as well as the availability of the state’s Medicaid long-term care assistance program for should be taken into account due to the high percentage of retirees who are likely to need some or all of these types of care.
Interesting you mention the Honda Fit. According to Car and Driver and other publications, sources for Honda indicate that it is not certain that the all-new 2020 Honda Fit, to be introduced in October in Japan, will be sold in the US.
Mini-vans were not mentioned, which are comfortable to drive, and pleasant to be in as a passenger. They are easy to get in and out of. If you buy a plug-in hybrid, you will get 30-82 MPGe (Chrysler Pacifica). If you get a normal hybrid, you will get 36 MPG (Toyota Sienna).