I Asked a Mechanic What Cars Cost the Least To Own After Age 70 — Here’s What He Said
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Laura Beck
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Molly Sullivan
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Most people think age determines what kind of car you should drive. But when I asked JustAnswer auto expert and mechanic Chris Pyle what vehicles cost the least to own after 70, his answer surprised me.
Age doesn’t matter. The car does.
The 5 Things That Actually Drive Costs
Pyle explained that ownership costs come down to five specific factors, and none of them have anything to do with how old you are.
First is the purchase price itself. Whether you’re buying new or used, a lower sticker price means lower monthly payments or less cash out of pocket upfront.
Second is insurance. Vehicles with strong crash test ratings and cheaper collision repair costs get better insurance rates. That adds up fast over time.
Third is fuel economy. A car that gets 30 miles per gallon instead of 20 saves you hundreds of dollars every year at the pump.
Fourth is maintenance. Some cars just cost more to keep running. Oil changes, tire rotations and routine service vary wildly depending on the make and model.
Fifth is repair frequency. The difference between a car that needs one major repair every few years versus multiple expensive fixes annually can make or break your budget.
The Type of Engine Matters More Than You Think
Pyle pointed out that four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines consistently outperform bigger engines on all the metrics that matter. They cost less to maintain, break down less often and deliver better gas mileage than their eight-cylinder counterparts.
That doesn’t mean you need to drive a tiny compact car. Plenty of mid-sized and even larger vehicles come with smaller engines that handle everyday driving just fine.
The Best Vehicle Categories for Low Ownership Costs
According to Pyle, the sweet spot falls into four categories: mid-sized to full-sized sedans, small to mid-sized SUVs, minivans and smaller trucks.
These categories strike the balance between practicality, affordability and reliability. They’re big enough to be comfortable and useful but not so large that every trip to the gas station hurts.
His Top Picks for Trucks
For trucks, Pyle recommended two specific models: the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Maverick.
Both are smaller trucks that deliver truck functionality without the massive fuel bills and repair costs that come with full-sized pickups. They’re easier to park, cheaper to insure and still handle most tasks people actually use trucks for.
The Minivans That Make Financial Sense
If you need space for grandkids or hauling stuff around, Pyle suggested three minivans: the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.
Minivans get a bad rap for not being exciting, but they’re incredibly practical and tend to have lower repair costs than larger SUVs. They’re also easier to get in and out of than some trucks and SUVs, which matters more as you get older.
The SUVs Worth Buying
For SUV buyers, Pyle listed five solid options: the Ford Escape, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
These models consistently rank high for reliability, get decent gas mileage for their size and don’t require constant trips to the mechanic. Insurance rates tend to be reasonable too since they’re popular vehicles with good safety records.
The Sedans That Won’t Drain Your Wallet
Finally, Pyle recommended three sedans: the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Kia K5.
These are workhorses. They last forever if you take care of them, parts are affordable and every mechanic in the country knows how to fix them. That last point matters more than people realize since obscure or luxury cars can sit in the shop for weeks waiting for parts.
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