6 Crossovers To Stay Away From in Retirement

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As you enter retirement, your vehicle needs often shift toward practicality, reliability and, of course, cost efficiency. The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned savings on a crossover that becomes a financial or logistical headache.

And while crossovers dominate the auto market, thanks to their versatility and elevated seating position, not all are created equal. Here are some crossovers to avoid in retirement.

Luxury Crossovers With High Maintenance Costs

Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi produce crossovers that are undeniably stylish and packed with features. However, they often come with high upfront costs and even higher maintenance and repair bills. Once the warranty expires, servicing luxury crossovers can cost thousands annually. Additionally, luxury vehicles often require premium fuel, adding another layer of expense.

Examples to avoid:

• BMW X3
• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Audi Q5

Why: Maintenance costs, expensive parts and depreciation.

Overly Large Crossovers

While spacious interiors can be appealing, excessively large crossovers can be cumbersome for retirees who no longer need to haul around a family. Models like the Chevrolet Traverse or Ford Explorer can be difficult to park, less fuel-efficient and unnecessarily big for retirees’ typical needs.

Examples to avoid:

• Chevrolet Traverse
• Ford Explorer
• Toyota Highlander (in its largest configurations)

Why: Reduced fuel efficiency, challenging to maneuver and higher insurance costs.

Sporty Crossovers

Sporty crossovers might seem fun, but they often come with stiff suspensions, less comfortable rides and higher insurance premiums. Models marketed for performance, like the Porsche Macan or Alfa Romeo Stelvio, are not designed with comfort or practicality in mind, which are essential for retirees.

Examples to avoid:

• Porsche Macan
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio
• Mazda CX-50 Turbo

Why: Harsh ride quality, high costs and impractical performance focus.

Crossovers With Poor Reliability Records

Some crossovers are notorious for reliability issues, which can lead to frequent trips to the mechanic and unplanned expenses. For retirees on a fixed income, this can be a significant source of stress. Common offenders include models with problematic transmissions or excessive electronic features prone to malfunction.

Examples to avoid:

• Ford Escape (Certain model years with transmission issues)
• Jeep Cherokee (Known for reliability problems)
• Land Rover Discovery Sport (Expensive and unreliable)

Why: Frequent repairs and mechanical problems.

Crossovers With Outdated Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority, but especially in retirement. Older crossover models or budget options that skimp on advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking may put you at unnecessary risk.

Examples to avoid:

• Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
• Dodge Journey
• Nissan Rogue (Older models with subpar safety ratings)

Why: Lack of modern safety technology and lower crash-test ratings.

Crossovers With Poor Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices fluctuating, fuel efficiency remains an important consideration. Some crossovers, especially those with larger engines or outdated powertrains, can be gas guzzlers. This can quickly eat into a retiree’s budget.

Examples to avoid:

• Subaru Ascent
• Volkswagen Atlas
• Infiniti QX60

Why: High fuel consumption and costly refueling.

When choosing a crossover in retirement, prioritize reliability, comfort, safety and cost-efficiency over flashiness or unnecessary size. Look for models with low maintenance costs, excellent fuel economy and modern safety features. Investing in a dependable and practical crossover will ensure you can enjoy your retirement without worrying about car troubles or excessive expenses.

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