4 Car Ownership Costs That Hit Hardest When You’re Living on Social Security
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Angela Corry
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For millions of retirees, a car represents independence. It means getting to medical appointments, running errands and staying connected with family and friends.
And while many expenses shrink in retirement, the cost of owning a vehicle often does not. In fact, experts say several hidden and unpredictable car costs can strain a budget that relies heavily on Social Security income. Here are the car costs that take the biggest bite.
1. Car Payments Can Eat A Large Share Of Social Security Income
While car payments might feel manageable during working years, they can quickly consume a significant portion of a fixed retirement income.
Eric Bowie, founder of Smart Money Bro and author of the book “How To Buy A Great Used Car With Cash,” said many retirees living primarily on Social Security feel financial pressure from their car “because transportation is one of the few large expenses that don’t disappear in retirement.”
The monthly payment alone can become unsustainable. A car payment of $500 to $700 may not seem extreme during working years, but on a Social Security income of $2,000 to $2,500 per month it can consume a very large portion of the budget, Bowie said.
2. Insurance Premiums Can Rise Unexpectedly In Retirement
Insurance costs can also surprise retirees. Melanie Musson, insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com, said, with car insurance premiums “increasing across the board,” these costs have been hitting retirees hard. “When you have a limited income, these increases can make it impossible to cover other necessities.”
Rates vary widely depending on the vehicle and coverage levels, so newer and luxury vehicles are likely to come with more expensive insurance cots.
Even moderate coverage can add up. Musson said, “Typically, a retiree will pay around $200 a month for full coverage and less than $100 a month for liability coverage.”
Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, said age can also impact insurance costs.
“Insurance premiums can start going up during their 70s as insurers adjust for age-related risk. This can add a few hundred dollars to their premiums each year.”
3. Repairs And Maintenance Are The Most Unpredictable Expenses
Unexpected maintenance costs are often the most difficult expenses for retirees living on a fixed income, especially for older vehicles.
“Things like tire, brake, and suspension repairs start at $600 and can go up to $1,200. Other major repairs can run into the thousands, which is hard to manage on a fixed income,” Giranda said.
Musson added that repair costs have risen dramatically over the decades. “For example, if you think you’re going to replace your brake pads and rotors for $50, $300 is going to seem outrageous.”
4. Fuel, Registration And Small Costs Add Up Quickly
Many retirees focus on large expenses like payments and insurance, but Bowie said retirees may underestimate the cumulative effect of everyday operating costs.
“Gas, oil changes, tires, registration fees and inspections may seem small individually, but together they create a continuous monthly drain on limited income,” he said.
Musson agreed, adding that, “In some places, [taxes and fees] are so significant that you really need to plan for them throughout the year so you’re prepared when they’re due.”
Retirees often rely heavily on their vehicles for everyday errands and healthcare needs, Giranda said, and with fuel prices and inflation becoming a bigger issue, this can further eat up their budgets.
Reliable Used Cars Often Offer The Most Financial Stability
Because transportation remains essential in retirement, Bowie encouraged retirees to avoid car payments whenever possible.
“The goal in retirement is not just transportation. The goal is transportation that protects the rest of your financial life.”
Dependable, modest vehicles tend to be the safest financial choice, Giranda said, such as compact or midsize vehicles with good reliability ratings, like Toyota or Honda. They have easily accessible parts, and predictable maintenance.
Ultimately, retirees who match their vehicle choice to their fixed income are far less likely to see car ownership crowd out other essential spending.
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