5 New Cars at Great Prices That Retirees Should Consider Before Falls Ends

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With winter right around the corner, you don’t want an older vehicle with high mileage to leave you stranded roadside. If retirees are considering buying a new car, now is the time to do it. 

Car prices skyrocketed during the pandemic; according to Texas A&M University data, from January 2021 to January 2024, new vehicle prices increased by 19.6%.

While car prices may be steep, there are still plenty of deals to be had. Certain cars are available at great prices and include features ideal for retirees. 

Hyundai Venue

If you want more space than a car provides but don’t need the price tag or gas mileage of a full size SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Venue may be an ideal option.

This small SUV starts at $19,800 and earned Kelley Blue Book’s Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own award. It features a four-cylinder engine and front wheel drive, and its combined fuel economy rating of 31 miles per gallon means you can save money at the pump. 

This SUV features smart technology like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and automatic high beams to help keep you safe. It’s not available in all-wheel drive, so it might not be right for retirees living in areas that see cold winters with lots of snow.

Nissan Versa

With an MSRP starting at $18,330, Kelley Blue Book reports that the 2024 Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car available in 2024.

Though this vehicle is affordably priced, it’s still equipped with plenty of safety features, including side mirror lights that alert you of vehicles beside you, stability and traction control, a lane departure warning system, and a pedestrian detection system.

Rear parking sensors and a rear view camera provide support when you’re parking or navigating a garage, and the four-cylinder engine means you’ll save on gas, too. 

Toyota Corolla

The 2024 Toyota Corolla‘s MSRP starts at $23,185, which is a deal when you consider Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and the fact that the vehicles tend to retain a high resale value.

The Corolla comes standard with plenty of safety technology, including lane tracing assist, lane-keep assist, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. 

A new Corolla includes a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan to save you money on your first few years of maintenance, and since the Corolla gets an average of 40 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s an efficient choice. 

Volkswagen Jetta

Compact yet still roomy, the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta‘s MSRP starts at $21,435.

IQ-Drive safety technology comes standard on Jettas with an automatic transmission, as well as features like rain-sensing wipers and a self-dimming mirror. This compact sedan with an automatic transmission features a 35 combined mile-per-gallon fuel economy to keep your gas costs down. 

Volkswagen’s warranties are a true selling point, though. While manufacturers like Honda and Toyota back their new vehicles with 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranties, Volkswagen features a 4-year/50,000-mile new car and powertrain warranty. Plus, Volkswagen includes 3-year/36,000-miles roadside assistance coverage, giving you extra peace of mind when you’re on the road. 

Kia Soul

With an MSRP starting at just $19,990, the 2024 Kia Soul is an affordably priced subcompact SUV.

It features a spacious interior while still having a small footprint on the road. The Soul also comes with a 147-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, and its 30-mile-per-gallon combined fuel economy rating can save you money on gas, too. While the Soul starts at less than $20,000, it includes desirable features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an optional sunroof.

The Soul is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — the longest warranties of any vehicle on this list. 

Shop for These Cars Now

Since these vehicles are all 2024 models, they’re probably already becoming scarce in dealerships, which are stocking 2025 models.

If you’re interested in one of these 2024 vehicles, start shopping soon. You may need to search around a bit or ask your local dealer to check their database and help you find the car you want.

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