5 European Cars To Stay Away From in Retirement
Written by
Marc Guberti
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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A good car can travel many miles while staying in good condition. While any car will endure some wear and tear, some cars need more frequent repairs that can quickly add up. Other cars become less practical by the time you retire.
These are some of the European cars that are best to avoid when you retire.
Mini Cooper
Mini Coopers may look attractive at first glance, as they start as low as $28,950. However, they tend to have higher repair costs than most models.
In fact, repair costs for a Mini Cooper are 30% higher than the repair costs for an average model. These cars also come with N14 engines, which require more maintenance than most models.
Mini Coopers also aren’t elevated off the ground by much, so they are more susceptible to damage from curbs, potholes and debris.
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series models already start with a steep price of $45,500, while the top-tier models command price points above $60,000. Add-ons will make it even more expensive.
It’s a lot to pay for a car even if you aren’t retired, but this vehicle has additional costs. These BMW models have higher repair costs than average.
Repair costs get even more expensive for older BMW models since the necessary parts become less available over time.Â
Land Rover Range Rover
This European car is notorious for being unreliable. Warrantywise named the model as the most unreliable used car in its 2022 Reliability Index.
Repair costs can get expensive, and the model is susceptible to mechanical issues like oil leaks and cooling system problems.Â
You’ll also have to pay a fortune to get one of these cars. For all of the headaches you can get from this car, you’re looking at a six-figure price tag. That car can force you back into work instead of enjoying your retirement years.
Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos initially looks like a great deal, with prices as low as $24,995. Drivers have also had good things to say about the vehicle’s style.
However, the model requires more maintenance than most cars. Drivers have left reviews mentioning transmission issues, rear brakes failing and multiple check engine lights.
For some drivers, these issues started to crop up within the first 10,000 miles. More affordable cars aren’t always the best options and can become costly in the long run.
Fiat 500e
Electric vehicles, in general, are a bit dicey for retirees. They don’t cover a lot of ground before needing another charge.
For instance, the Fiat 500e only has a maximum range of 149 miles, so it’s not the right choice for road trips throughout the country. The Fiat 500e also doesn’t have much legroom, especially if you’re more than six feet tall.
If you need to replace an EV battery, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $16,000. Traditional car batteries only cost roughly $100 to $200 to replace.
The model also has a starting price above $34,000. Fiat models also tend to be unreliable and have high maintenance costs.Â
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