Best Car for Every Age Group, According to an Expert
Written by
Andrew Lisa
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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If you’re looking for the right car, your criteria for defining the perfect vehicle probably depends on where you are. As people age, their needs, lifestyles and budgets change — and their choices in automobiles change along with them.
GOBankingRates spoke with Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org, to find out which vehicles make the best automotive companions for people of different ages and at different stages of their lives.
Here’s one expert’s opinion on the best car for every age group.
20s: Honda Civic
- Starting MSRP: $24,250
Young people new to adulthood and the workforce typically don’t have money to burn on vehicle maintenance and repairs. They need to pick a car that’s affordable both to buy and to own — and few cars fit the bill more perfectly than the vaunted Honda Civic.
“People in their 20s need a reliable and budget-friendly car,” said Musson. “They are building their careers and shouldn’t be spending most of their income on a vehicle loan.”
Not only does the Civic start under $25,000 but its low ownership costs barely dent your wallet.
RepairPal gives the Civic a 4.5-star rating and reports that its average annual repair costs are just $368, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all models.
30s: Toyota 4Runner
- Starting MSRP: $40,705
As the decades change, so do priorities and lifestyles, which is why Musson recommends 30-somethings consider the Toyota 4Runner, a large, body-on-frame midsize SUV known for durability, reliability and the room it provides for passengers and cargo.
“People in their 30s often have children and need a vehicle big enough for shuttling kids to sports events and activities,” she said.
40s: Kia Telluride
- Starting MSRP: $36,190
Middle age can tug your finances from two directions, and those who have both aging parents and growing children don’t want expensive surprises from vehicles that leave their owners hanging with pricey repairs.
“The Telluride has an excellent manufacturer warranty,” said Musson. “So you’ll have a lower risk of having major repairs to pay for when your kids are getting ready for college and you’re saving money for them.”
Kia provides Telluride owners with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty, five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance coverage and a trip-interruption policy.
50s: Tesla Model S
- Starting MSRP: $74,990
Many people reach their 50s and find that, for the first time in their adult lives, they have some extra money to spend on a fast, sleek, luxurious car — a car like the Tesla Model S.
“It’s time for some luxury and cutting-edge technology,” said Musson. “An EV might be something new for you, but you’ll get used to it — and enjoy not having to buy gas.”
60s and Beyond: Subaru Outback
- Starting MSRP: $28,895
As drivers approach or enter their senior years, their priorities usually shift back to comfort, dependability, practicality and cost — and the stalwart of reliability that is Subaru’s flagship vehicle checks all those boxes and more.
“The Outback is small enough to be comfortable for retirees to drive but big enough to haul a couple of grandchildren around,” said Musson. “The AWD and high clearance make the Outback an ideal vehicle for getting around, even when the weather isn’t the best.”
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