I’m a Retired Boomer: Here Are 7 New Cars I’m Considering Buying
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Maria Concepcion
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Many baby boomers grew up around big, gas-guzzling sedans, muscle cars and hot rods during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, back when gasoline was less than 40 cents a gallon and engines were pretty simple and cost less money to repair. Today, there’s much more emphasis on fuel economy and engine systems are so complicated that you need specialized training to fix something that used to require only a socket wrench.
Meanwhile, the youngest boomers turn 60 this year, and most older boomers have long since retired. Retired boomers in the market for a new car favor reliability, accessibility, safety and comfort over power and style as the most important considerations. And because most retirees are on a fixed income, they also prize value and fuel economy.
2024 Toyota Camry
- Starting Price: $27,515
- Combined Fuel Economy: 32 miles per gallon
KBB calls the Camry “one of the best midsize cars ever” because it’s roomy, quiet and reliable and also holds its resale value better than most other cars. The Camry offers a 4-cylinder or a V6 engine as well as a hybrid that nets up to 52 combined miles per gallon.
2024 Honda Accord
- Starting Price: $28,990
- Combined Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
This popular car is known for its “refinement, safety features, interior space, comfort and reliability.”
In addition, the Accord offers “cutting-edge” technology features, including the ability to set temperature with voice commands. It also has a “long history of excellent reliability and resale value,” which helped it rank as KBB’s Midsize Car Best Buy for 2024.
2024 Honda CR-V
- Starting Price: $30,850
- Combined Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
Here’s another popular Honda model that offers “loads of space” and a “quiet environment” as well as highly rated safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning with steering assist.
2024 Kia Telluride
- Starting Price: $37,585
- Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
Retired boomers who prefer a roomier vehicle should consider the Telluride, a 3-row midsize SUV offering an “impressive value” along with “plenty of passenger and cargo room and an amazing amount of standard content.”
Driver safety aids include forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and Highway Driving Assist, which helps you steer and brake.
2024 Toyota Sienna
- Base Price: $39,080
- Combined Fuel Economy: 36 mpg
The Sienna gets high marks for comfort, space, versatility, fuel economy and reliability. KBB calls it “ideal for cross-country touring” with its ability to seat up to eight passengers and still accommodate “loads of luggage.”
2024 Toyota Crown
- Base Price: $41,445
- Combined Fuel Economy: 41 mpg
The Crown offers excellent fuel economy for a large vehicle. It also has heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
2024 Subaru Ascent
- Base Price: $35,740
- Combined Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
The Ascent gets decent fuel economy despite having an all-wheel drive, which usually hurts your gas mileage.
In addition, the Ascent includes many of KBB’s recommended senior features, including adaptive cruise control, a large 11.6-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights that turn in the same direction as the front wheels.
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