If you’re a recent retiree, your next car could be the last vehicle you ever buy — if you choose wisely. The coming model year has options that are so reliable and durable that you’ll probably have to worry more about outliving your nest egg more than you will your vehicle.
The key is knowing what to look for in a new set of wheels at this stage in your life.
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According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), new retirees should place a premium on accessibility — make sure the car isn’t too hard to get into or out of. Visibility is another key — insist on a high perch for good road vision and lots of surrounding glass. Comfort is also paramount, especially for road trippers, as are advanced safety and driver-assist features. Finally, it’s imperative to shave dollars off those burdensome long-term ownership costs by choosing a car that’s good on gas and known for reliability.
What that in mind, these sub-$30,000 vehicles are the best 2025 models for recent retirees.
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Both Carfax and U.S. News and World Report rank the Toyota Camry near the top of their lists of the best cars for seniors.
Larger, roomier and more powerful than the wildly popular compact Corolla commuter car, the Camry consistently ranks as one of the best — and bestselling — midsize sedans.
Its infotainment system has a simple and user-friendly interface with plenty of physical buttons and dials for seniors who want tech that’s functional but not flashy.
It’s also economical. Not only does it start under $29,000, but its base standard hybrid powertrain gets up to 51 mpg and the Camry’s legendary reliability makes it easy on the nest egg long term.
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Sites like Edmunds and Capital One Auto have ranked the Subaru Forester high on their lists of the best vehicles for seniors and retirees both this year and last, and the 2025 model brings more of the same.
For seniors driving in winter weather or whose retirement takes them off the pavement, the Forester offers excellent ground clearance and — like all Subarus — standard all-wheel drive. Its large windows provide excellent visibility on all sides and its high perch provides a commanding view of the road, yet it’s not hard to climb into or out of.
A bevy of driver-assist features strengthen the brand’s already famous reputation for safety, and the Forester joins all Subarus in being synonymous with reliability, which means low long-term ownership costs.
