Saving & Spending Home & Auto

13 Best Used Cars for Retirees for Under $30K

Cruise into retirement bliss with these budget-friendly used cars tailored for retirees.

happy senior asian couple on a road trip
Updated Aug. 13, 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 cars can be a great option if you want to add an affordable car to your garage.

Fortunately, car prices have been on a downward trend in recent months, so buying now might help you get ahead financially.

Check out these affordable used car options that meet the needs of retirees.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10K to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds, see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Kia Soul

Courtesy of Kia kia soul

The Kia Soul can be a good choice if you’re looking for a compact SUV. Its spacious interior will appeal to many retirees who still want to take long road trips.

Toyota Camry

Courtesy of Toyota toyota camry

The Toyota Camry remains one of the most popular cars for drivers who are looking for a vehicle with a long history of reliability. It also has a reputation for being fuel-efficient.

Chrysler Pacifica

Courtesy of Chrysler chrysler pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that might appeal to retirees who want a higher seating position, or extra space to transport items for volunteer work or have fun with the grandkids.

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Subaru Forester

Courtesy of Subaru subaru forester

The Forester gets good gas mileage, which can help trim your fuel costs. That is especially important if your retirement budget is tight.

Hyundai Sonata

Courtesy of Hyundai hyundai sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is a great alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It also features driver-assist technology and other great features retirees might appreciate.

Buick Encore

Courtesy of Buick buick encore

The Buick Encore gives retirees the benefits of a crossover SUV with more luxury-type finishes. The Encore also offers great safety features.

Honda CR-V

Courtesy of Honda honda cr-v

The Honda CR-V is an easy vehicle to get into and out of. It also lets you see the road better since you are sitting higher than in a sedan.

Lexus ES

Courtesy of Lexus lexus es

The Lexus ES has a smooth suspension and comfortable interior, which can be helpful if you plan to take some road trips and travel when you retire.

Chevrolet Bolt

Courtesy of Chevrolet chevrolet bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is a good option now that you’ve ditched your daily commute and are likely doing more local driving as a retiree. For example, the 2017 Bolt gets 238 miles of range on a charge.

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!

You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.

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

Mazda 6

svetlichniy_igor/Adobe A Mazda 6

Mazda 6 has a reputation for handling well on different kinds of roads and is also known for its reliability. The car’s interior has been described as “near luxury.”

Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Courtesy of Toyota toyota avalon

Add the Toyota Avalon Hybrid to your shopping list if you aren’t ready to jump into an electric vehicle. The 2018 version of this sedan gets a combined 40 miles per gallon.

Nissan Rogue

Courtesy of Nissan nissan rogue

The Nissan Rogue includes zero-gravity seats that help reduce fatigue if you plan on taking road trips when you retire. The Rogue’s extra ride height also can help you see better.

Chevrolet Impala

Courtesy of Car & Driver chevrolet impala

The Chevrolet Impala is no longer being produced, but used models are still desirable for retirees. The Impala has safety features like forward collision alert and lane-departure warning.

One way to cut the cost of an Impala or any other used car is to save on car insurance by shopping around for the best policy.

Bottom line

Lumeez/peopleimages.com/Adobe happy asian couple using tablet on countertop

Used cars are a good option for retirees on a fixed income or those who decide to retire early and don’t have a considerable nest egg.

So, consider one of the vehicles on this list that offers essential features for retirees at a price that will not bust their budget.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0

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