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.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Looking for a reliable and affordable car to enjoy your retirement years? Now might be the perfect time to consider a budget-friendly option.

Explore these top picks that offer comfort, safety, and value and will help you keep more of your retirement dollars.

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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.

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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

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 to have fun with the grandkids.

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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

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

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.

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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

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

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 2023 Bolt gets 259 miles of range on a full charge.

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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

If you aren't ready to buy an electric vehicle, add the Toyota Avalon Hybrid to your shopping list. The 2022 version of this sedan gets a combined 44 mpg.

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.

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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

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.

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