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Retirement should be a time to finally travel, hit a little white ball in a green landscape, and spend quality time with family and friends, not a mechanic. Therefore, when it comes to cars, especially people on a fixed income, they want low fuel and maintenance costs and a reliable ride.
“It’s important for retirees to prioritize reliability, fuel economy, and affordable maintenance above all else,” says John Lin, an experienced mechanic and owner of JB Motor Works in Pennsylvania. . “If you stick to brands with a good track record, you can keep more of your pension in your pocket.”
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With that in mind, here are nine popular cars you should avoid in retirement to keep your golden years golden.
Earning passive income doesn’t have to be difficult. You can start this week.
nissan altima
This is an attractive sedan with an equally attractive sticker price, starting at $26,000 for 2024. But Lin said that’s where your savings may stop and the checks start writing. He suggests avoiding Altima models with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
“The transmission is basically a ticking time bomb,” he says.
chevrolet cruze
Now discontinued but commonly available on the used market, this compact sedan may seem like a bargain at first, but Lin believes it’s possible to own one in the near future. Instead, he says, it will guarantee the mechanic’s retirement.
“Cruise customers come in every month with leaks, faulty sensors, blown AC, etc. We did highway robbery on a Chevy budget,” Lin said.
Read more: These 10 used cars will last longer than your average new car
ford mustang
If you’re a muscle car type and want to keep it going well into your golden years, you might need a little more gold than you think, at least if you choose the Ford Mustang.
The V8 5.0-liter version is one of the thirstiest models on the market, with a dismal 15 MPG in city driving, but only 18 combined highway and city MPG. On the plus side, gas station just a stone’s throw away.
Chrysler 300 or 200
The Chrysler 300 is a stylish full-size sedan that has traditionally been popular with people over 50. But when it comes to gas, the Chrysler 300 is very demanding.
If you choose the eight-cylinder model, you’ll get just 18 MPG combined city and highway. And if you choose a used midsize Chrysler 200, think again, says Lin.
“They’re notorious for transmission failures and electrical gremlins. The parts and labor add up quickly,” he said.
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land rover range rover
There’s no denying that the Land Rover Range Rover is a sophisticated luxury SUV that provides comfort and beauty for days on end. But like the bad TV version of the supermodel, the stunner is high maintenance, said Scott Kness, chief operating officer of Knes Auto Group.
“Range Rovers are notorious for being prone to breakdowns and being expensive to repair, and may not hold their value as well as other SUVs,” Knes said.
chevrolet suburban
Do you have lots of grandchildren and need a big SUV? There are many options, but most come with higher fuel and maintenance costs. But car expert Blake Shaw, who writes for All About Wheel, says the Chevrolet Suburban is a car to avoid.
“These large SUVs are less fuel efficient, resulting in higher fuel costs. Additionally, their size and weight can result in higher maintenance and repair costs,” Shaw said.
mitsubishi mirage
While you might be tempted by the Mirage’s low price tag of less than $20,000 and relatively high fuel economy of 37 MPG city/highway, Lin says those savings may be, well, a mirage. I say.
“There’s a reason these econoboxes are cheap,” he says. “They’re fragile, underpowered, and prone to all sorts of mechanical problems. They’re not a wise choice for retirees who need reliable transportation.”
Perhaps that’s why Car and Driver magazine gave the 2024 version a rating of 2.5 out of 10.
fiat 500l
If you’re interested in a mini-MPV, consider the sporty European version of the Fiat 500L. However, this may not be the most practical course of action.
“They have constant problems with oil leaks, clutch changes, buggy infotainment systems, etc. ‘L’ is supposed to stand for lemon,” Lin said.
dodge journey
The Journey, which was discontinued in 2020 after 12 years of production, is often found on the used market. But if you’re looking for a bargain on a used SUV, Lin, who regularly sees these SUVs at repair shops, said this may not be what you need.
“They’re cheaply made and plagued with engine, suspension and AC problems. It’s not a trip you want to take,” he said.
Remember: Retire early: Here’s how much you need to save to retire by age 40 in each state
7 cars to consider instead
Not feeling pessimistic, we asked experts what kind of car they’d choose if they were retiring on a fixed income. The following was on almost every list.
Toyota Corolla: “The gold standard for reliable, fuel-efficient transportation. These things will outlast cockroaches in a nuclear winter,” Lin said.
Honda Civic: “Like the Corolla, the Civic is designed to run forever on gas. Parts are cheap and plentiful,” Lin said.
Hyundai Elantra: “The Elantra provides peace of mind and financial stability thanks to its excellent warranty and low maintenance costs,” said Shaw.
Mazda3: “It’s a little sportier than the other two, but it’s still solidly reliable. Mazda has improved quality a lot in recent years,” Lin said.
Kia Soul: “Don’t let the funky looks fool you. Souls are surprisingly durable and inexpensive to repair. Plus, they’re easier for retirees to get in and out of than sedans,” Lin said.
Toyota Camry: “The Camry is known for its long-term reliability and low cost of ownership, making it an excellent choice for retirees,” Shaw said.
Subaru Impreza: “If you live in a place where the weather is unstable, the Impreza has cheap and reliable AWD that can get you through on your own. Just be careful as the head gasket deteriorates.” said Mr. Lin.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Cars to Avoid in Retirement
