10 Cars Perfect for Retirees on a Fixed Budget of Under $2,000 a Month

Living on a fixed budget can present certain challenges when car shopping. If you're a retiree on a $2,000 monthly budget, you probably need to make smart car-owner moves that will help you stretch your dollars further. This includes factoring in costs like maintenance and fuel into your monthly budget.

Here's a look at several cars that are budget-friendly and offer the safety and dependability most retirees want in a vehicle.

Editor's note: Car payments and other costs come from Kelley Blue Book's Total Cost of Ownership Car Calculator.

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For retirees looking for a solid compact crossover option, the Forester may be a solid choice. It's not only comfortable and practical, but the MSRP of just over $28,000 makes it a friendly pick for a fixed budget.

Overall, drivers should find affordable maintenance costs for the Forester. The monthly cost of owning this vehicle should be $900 or less, including monthly payments and fuel costs.

Retirees who prefer driving a Honda over a Subaru may prefer the CR-V to the Forester. The driving experience and overall monthly costs are likely similar. For instance, the maintenance costs may factor out to be less than $50 a month, and the average gas cost is about $100 for the month.

For the CR-V, retiree drivers will like the smooth ride and fuel-efficient powertrain. Their passengers will enjoy a spacious and comfortable interior.

An impressive warranty and solid fuel efficiency (39 combined EPA MPG) are just a couple of reasons retiree drivers may like the Mitsubishi Mirage. This budget-friendly hatch comes with a long list of standard tech and convenience features.

Buyers can find the Mirage for under $15,000 in many markets. The monthly fuel ($90) and maintenance ($30) costs are also budget-friendly.

Safety is a key factor for many drivers choosing a Corolla. It has lots of standard safety features and an overall impressive look.

As for the budget, the 2024 model has an MSRP of $23,185. Average monthly payments are around $688, and average monthly maintenance costs are about $60.

Handsome. Roomy. Affordable. With an MSRP of around $25,000, the Honda Civic is a solid choice for retirees. It also has high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In addition, with an EPA MPG of 29-36 combined, it offers good fuel efficiency and monthly gas costs of around $100.

The 2025 Malibu is a comfortable vehicle with a reasonable price tag (MSRP of $26,995) and average monthly car payments of $780.

Along with decent fuel economy and an average monthly gas cost of $112, the Malibu offers a reliable, spacious ride. It also has high safety ratings.

The Subaru Legacy offers simplicity and affordability for retirees. With an MSRP of $27,980, the Legacy offers average monthly payments of around $800 and average gas costs of $116.

The Legacy should also hold up as a reliable ride for retirees. The average monthly maintenance costs are low, totaling about $45 per month.

There's a reason the Toyota Camry is a popular choice for retirees and other drivers. It is reliable and safe. Specifically, reviewers have noted that the new hybrid-only lineup offers improvements across the board, including the powertrain and interior.

It has an MSRP of $29,895 and an average monthly car payment of $928. The average monthly costs for maintenance ($74) and fuel ($67) are low and friendly for a budget under $2,000 a month.

Don't let price keep you away from electric vehicles. The LEAF may be an easy and affordable way to get into them. The MSRP starts at $29,280 for this one. With an average monthly payment of $873 or lower, the average monthly fuel cost is $66.

If you're a retiree who doesn't need full-size pickup capability, take a look at the Maverick. It has a solid driving experience with plenty of space and safety features.

The MSRP starts at $29,840, which makes the Maverick a fuel-efficient option at a good price. It has an EPA combined MPG of 23-38 and an average monthly gas cost of $90.

As a retiree on a fixed budget, consider factors such as safety, fuel costs, and money for maintenance when looking at your next vehicle. You can avoid wasting money in retirement with a safe car that's reliable and won't eat up your finances in fuel and maintenance costs.

Beyond money considerations, experts remind retiree drivers not to ignore comfort and accessibility when evaluating their next vehicle.