4 Cars To Avoid in Retirement With the Worst Gas Mileage
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
When you’re enjoying your golden years, the last thing you want is a gas-guzzling monster eating away at your retirement savings. While that sleek SUV or luxury sedan might look tempting, some vehicles can turn into real money pits at the pump.
GOBankingRates spoke with Aivaras Grigelevicius, an automotive expert at carVertical, to get the lowdown on which cars retirees should steer clear of if they’re looking to keep fuel costs in check.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
If you’re dreaming of cruising around in this luxurious behemoth, you might want to reconsider. Grigelevicius doesn’t mince words about its fuel efficiency: “It’s obvious that the Grand Wagoneer will not excel in fuel economy, but even by this class’s standards, its gas mileage is poor.”
The expert points out that whether you opt for the V8 or the brand-new I-6 engines, you’re not going to find much relief at the pump. “These vehicles typically consume an average of 10 to 15 miles per gallon (mpg),” he shared. That’s a lot of trips to the gas station – and a lot of money – that could be better spent on your retirement adventures.
Lexus LX570
Don’t let the luxury badge fool you – the Lexus LX570 might offer a smooth ride and impressive off-road capabilities, but our expert says it’s far from economical. Grigelevicius describes its engine as “a relic from the previous century,” adding, “Large displacement, low power output and a massive appetite for fuel are not the combination you’d expect from such a luxury vehicle.”
If you’re looking for a vehicle that combines comfort with efficiency, you might be smart to steer clear (pun intended!) of this car.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The iconic G-Wagen might turn heads, but it’ll also empty wallets at an alarming rate. Grigelevicius explains why: “It’s essentially a modernized old-school 4×4 with brick-like aerodynamics. Combine that with its huge weight and thirsty V8 engine, and you get a vehicle with an average fuel economy of eight to 12 mpg.”
For retirees looking to maintain a budget-friendly lifestyle, those numbers should be a major red flag. The G-Class’s poor fuel economy could significantly impact your retirement finances over time.
Volvo XC90
Volvo has a well-earned reputation for safety – but it’s lacking in other areas on this particular car. When it comes to the XC90, Grigelevicius warns that fuel economy is not great. “Volvo’s seven-seater has many good qualities, but fuel economy isn’t one of them,” he said.
The problem? “A four-cylinder engine has to pull a car weighing more than 4,500 pounds, which constantly has to cope with heavy loads, leading to poor efficiency,” Grigelevicius shared. The result? “You would be lucky to achieve 20 to 22 mpg on daily commutes.”
While these numbers might not seem as awful as some of the other vehicles on this list, they’re still far from great – especially for retirees looking to maximize their fuel efficiency.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing a vehicle for your retirement years, you’ll probably want to look beyond the flashy exteriors and luxe interiors. Fuel efficiency should be a top priority – that way you can save money at the pump and use it for more retirement fun!
More From GOBankingRates
