During retirement, a car becomes one of the most important things, if your daily chores and interests require a lot of mobility. A lot has changed in the last decade when it comes to the automotive world. Cars are now safer than ever and technological advancements keep making this feature, even better. However, these advancements have also made them less user-friendly. They are important to own, nonetheless. Especially when you’re above 65, you wouldn’t want to rely on public transport services all the time. Driving around in a car also takes away the excessive physical stress of walking to places that are far.
If you’re on the lookout for a new car in your retirement, keep in mind the factors listed below when making a final decision. Let’s have a look!
Comfort
Just like any piece of clothing, accessories, or footwear, your car must fit you perfectly for you to feel comfortable inside it. A car that can adjust to your needs is ideal. Features like seat cushions, enough leg and headroom, ample space for cargo, enough room between you and the steering wheel, etc. should be considered when narrowing down the choices. Driving an uncomfortable car can put you at a higher risk of significant injuries, in case of a crash or accident. Make sure to sit in every seat of the car while visiting the showroom and get a feel for the comfort it offers.
Access
A lot of us dream about zooming around in a sports car during retirement but that may not be a very pragmatic option. Sports cars, because of their lower seats and lower ground clearance, can often turn out to be uncomfortable to access, especially as you age. Getting in and out of the car is tricky, and you run the risk of tripping and hurting yourself. A midsize sedan may work better. They have wide door openings and ample passenger space.
However, the seats are still typically low. Small SUVs or crossovers are often ideal because of the ease of getting in and out, big doors and chair-height access. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 are popular options worth considering. Large SUVs and wagons come with a raised height which can often get inconvenient to access.
Reliability
Reliability becomes a major factor, especially if this may be your last car. You want a car that can really go the distance. Having to deal with unexpected repairs and breakdowns can get challenging – physically, mentally and financially.
Safety
The safety rating of a car should be the most important factor when making a purchase decision, whether you’re retired or not. Many cars today come equipped with safety features like a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, safety airbags, lane assistance, and crash warnings to name a few. Several advanced safety features are also optional. Hence, you can equip your car with what you need.
The Bottom Line
Don’t make buying a car an emotional decision. Be careful and practical when considering your changing needs. Remember, driving a car in your retirement should be stress-free and safe.