Saving & Spending Home & Auto

12 Best Used Cars for Retirees To Buy In 2024

Discover timeless comfort and reliability in the top-rated used cars tailored for retirees.

successful senior businessman looking from window
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Used car prices are finally starting to decrease, presenting a prime opportunity to upgrade your ride.

But with so many choices, which vehicle best suits your post-retirement life?

We've compiled a list of fantastic used cars that deliver the features you crave while helping you keep more money in the bank.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Hyundai Santa Fe

Courtesy of Hyundai hyundai santa fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe has plenty of features that retirees desire, such as lumbar support and active safety features, which can become more important as you get older.

The Santa Fe also has easy-to-use controls and touchscreens that can help you navigate while keeping your eyes safely on the road.

Honda CR-V

Courtesy of Car and Driver honda cr v

Crossover SUVs can be great options for retirees because they’re easy to get into and out of. In addition, you might see the road better since you're sitting higher than you would in a sedan.

The Honda CR-V can be a good choice if you are looking for an affordable compact SUV.

Buick Encore

Courtesy of Car and Driver buick encore

Check out the Buick Encore if you want the benefits of a crossover SUV with more luxury-type finishes.

The Encore can also appeal to those who want driver assistance and other safety features.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Lincoln MKZ

Courtesy of Car and Driver lincoln mkz

Lincoln no longer makes sedans, but there are still some older Lincoln sedans available on the used car market that can give you a luxury option without a luxury car price tag.

The Lincoln MKZ midsize car was noted for its reliability, which means fewer unexpected issues might pop up while you own the vehicle.

Ford Escape

Courtesy of Ford ford escape

The Ford Escape is a popular option if you want an SUV that isn’t too big to handle as you get older.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave both the 2020 and 2022 Ford Escape models Top Safety Pick rankings.

Subaru Forester

Courtesy of Car and Driver subaru forester

Retirees who live in a winter climate might want a vehicle such as the Subaru Forester that can handle snow and ice.

The Forester has all-wheel drive as a standard feature, which can help you safely navigate winter weather and bad road conditions.

Toyota Corolla

Courtesy of Toyota toyota corolla

The Toyota Corolla has traditionally been one of the best-selling cars in the U.S.

That popularity means you should be able to find a used Corolla that fits your budget and meets your wants and needs.

Kia Telluride

Courtesy of Car and Driver kia telluride

If you’re looking for a larger SUV, the Kia Telluride can be a good option.

The Telluride has a third row of seating, so you can drive with friends or travel with the grandkids. It also has plenty of storage space for all kinds of items you need.

Recent versions of this midsize SUV also have earned good safety ratings from the IIHS.

Honda Accord

Courtesy of Car and Driver honda accord

The Honda Accord is a solid sedan that might be more affordable than some of the SUVs on this list.

The Accord has a reputation for being a reliable car, which should give peace of mind to some drivers who are a bit uneasy about buying something used.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Chrysler Pacifica

Courtesy of Chrysler chrysler pacifica

If you are in the market for a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica might be worth a look.

Check out the 2021 and 2022 models on the used-car market, as they received Top Safety Pick Plus ratings from the IIHS.

Kia Soul

Courtesy of Car and Driver kia soul

The Kia Soul has a unique boxy design that is sure to attract attention.

The Soul is also a good choice if you’re looking for a compact SUV that has more of a car feel in traffic.

Volvo S80

Courtesy of All World Wheels volvo s80

The Volvo S80 stopped production in 2016, but it is still a good option for retirees, especially if safety is their top concern.

Volvo is well-known for its safety features across its lineup, and the S80 is no exception. It earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS in several of its final model years before being discontinued.

Remember that a great way to cut the cost of owning a used car is to save money on car insurance by shopping around for the best policy.

Bottom line

denis_vermenko/Adobe happy senior woman holding money

Used cars can be a great option for retirees, especially if you need to supplement your income in retirement.

Just make sure you have some money saved in an emergency fund in case you encounter unexpected maintenance and repair issues with your used vehicle.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details