Great for Retirees: These Used Cars Stand Out for Safety, Reliability and Comfort
Rising car prices are pushing more retirees toward used vehicles that combine reliability, safety, comfort and easy everyday driving.
The surge in new-car prices has many shoppers, especially retirees, looking for dependable alternatives in the used-car market. Strong reliability ratings from J.D. Power and solid crash-test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can help narrow the field.
The following list includes affordable used sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers that stand out for fuel economy, visibility, safety and everyday comfort.
The Kia Soul stands out not only for its distinctive boxy design but also for its practicality. Its upright seating position and roomy cabin make getting in and out easier for both the driver and passengers, while the large windows provide excellent visibility.
The Soul gets roughly 30 mpg combined, a reasonable figure for drivers covering about 15,000 miles a year. The model also earned an 85 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power. For 2022, the Soul received an IIHS Top Safety Pick award when equipped with the required optional safety equipment and headlights.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV with an upscale interior and a smooth, comfortable ride. It returns about 28 mpg combined, which is respectable for the class.
The 2018 CX-5 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award when equipped with the specified headlights. The model also posted an 83 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power, according to the original list.
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan equipped with the brand's standard all-wheel-drive system, giving drivers added confidence in rain, snow and other challenging conditions.
Fuel economy is around 29 mpg combined. The Legacy received an 81 out of 100 reliability score and earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation for the 2017-18 model years when equipped with the required safety features.
The 2017 Toyota Prius remains one of the most fuel-efficient choices in the used-car market. Its fuel economy is around 52 mpg combined, which can make a noticeable difference for drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
The Prius also offers a quiet cabin, excellent visibility and a reputation for long-term reliability. The original list gives the model an 85 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power. The Prius has also earned strong IIHS safety ratings in multiple model years.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla combines modern technology with the brand's long-standing reputation for reliability. Fuel economy is approximately 33 mpg combined.
An updated interior, comfortable seats and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features make the Corolla well suited to everyday driving. The 2020 Corolla earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with the specified headlights.
The Hyundai Sonata is a spacious midsize sedan with a large trunk, an ergonomic cabin and fuel economy of about 32 mpg combined.
The model's roomy interior and comfortable seating make it particularly appealing to drivers who prioritize space on longer trips. The original list gives the Sonata an 82 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power, while the Sonata has also earned strong IIHS safety honors in previous model years.
The Mazda CX-3 is a compact SUV that is easy to maneuver and park in crowded urban areas. It gets about 31 mpg combined and has an 83 out of 100 reliability score in the original list.
Its well-designed cabin, compact dimensions and good visibility make it an appealing alternative to larger SUVs. The CX-3 also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the 2018 model year and Top Safety Pick+ for 2017.
The 2017 Toyota Camry is a comfortable midsize sedan with a strong reputation for reliability. J.D. Power gave the model an 86 out of 100 reliability score in the original list.
Fuel economy is approximately 27 mpg combined. The Camry is also known for its smooth ride, comfortable seats and strong safety performance. The 2017 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award when equipped with the required safety features.
The 2017 Honda Accord combines responsive handling with a spacious cabin. Fuel economy is around 30 mpg combined, making it a practical choice for drivers who want to keep fuel costs under control.
The model received an 82 out of 100 reliability score in the original list. The 2017 Accord sedan also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation when equipped with the required safety equipment and headlights.
The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that offers easy maneuverability and a higher seating position than a traditional sedan. Fuel economy is approximately 30 mpg combined.
Its compact dimensions make it particularly convenient for city driving and parking. The original list gives the Kona an 84 out of 100 reliability score, while its combination of safety features and compact size makes it a practical option for everyday use.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra delivers strong fuel economy, returning roughly 35 mpg combined. It also offers a relatively quiet cabin and a comfortable interior for everyday driving.
The model received an 84 out of 100 reliability score in the original list. The 2020 Elantra earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with the required optional front crash-prevention system and specified headlights.
The 2019 Kia Forte rounds out the list with a combination of fuel efficiency, modern safety technology and straightforward everyday usability. It returns approximately 34 mpg combined.
The original list gives the Forte an 83 out of 100 reliability score. The 2019 Forte earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation when equipped with the specified headlights.