4 Vehicles for Frugal Retirees This Winter

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Stretching retirement funds as long as possible only happens through careful planning — like buying an affordable vehicle. However, driving in the winter is a lot safer when you choose a car equipped with winter-driving features, such as an anti-lock braking system, all-wheel-drive (AWD), stability control and traction control.

Here are four affordable vehicles for money-conscious retirees this winter. 

Practical Driver Assistance Features for Retirees To Consider

GOBankingRates interviewed two experts to identify practical driver assistance features that are helpful in winter.

Auto expert and mechanic at Just Answer, Chris Pyle, advised, “ABS [anti-lock braking system] is very useful in this weather to help you maintain steering ability when braking hard. Traction control is also helpful, but sometimes you get in a punch where you need wheel spin and must disable it.”

Pyle also cautioned that light cars do not work well in the snow and ice especially if a hill is encountered. He said weight is needed to get some traction in the snow and light cars can struggle in the snow with any actions outside of driving straight on level ground.

“Driving in the snow and ice is 70% driver and 30% car. Just because you have AWD does not mean you are guaranteed to not get stuck,” said Pyle.

Matt Degen, car reviewer and author at Kelley Blue Book, said, “All-wheel drive is a huge benefit when driving in snow, and grants better traction regardless of road and weather conditions.” Degen also recommended ‘snow’ mode, a driving mode in other cars that optimizes throttle response and traction for such conditions.

Budget-Friendly Vehicles

Finding a reliable winter vehicle isn’t out of reach for retirees on a budget. Degan suggested the following options, which are affordable and equipped with winter-driving features, such as all-wheel drive.

These features will enhance safety and control on winter roads:

• Vehicle Dynamics Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) help maintain stability on slippery surfaces by adjusting power and braking to prevent skidding. 
• ABS and Driveline Traction Control improve braking performance and tire grip, especially on icy or wet roads. 
• Collision Mitigation-Front or Forward-Collision Warning and EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking add an extra layer of safety by reducing the risk of accidents through automatic braking and early hazard detection. 

2024 Subaru Impreza

• Starting price: $24,115 
• 152 maximum horsepower at 6000 RPM 
• 27 mpg in the city/34 mpg on the highway  

The Impreza’s limited warranty is three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Maintenance costs for the first year are estimated to be $446 by Edmunds.

Besides the standard driver assistance safety features on the Subaru Impreza, there’s also Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS And Driveline Traction Control, Collision Mitigation-Front and EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

• Starting price: $27,115 
• 152 maximum horsepower at 6000 RPM 
• 27 mpg in the city/34 mpg on the highway  

Subaru Crosstrek’s limited warranty offers three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Maintenance costs for the first year are estimated to be $446 by Edmunds.

Crosstrek’s driver assistance safety features also include ABS And Driveline Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking and Collision Mitigation-Front.

2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S

• Starting price: $26,415 
• 191 maximum horsepower at 6000 RPM 
• 26 mpg in the city/33 mpg on the highway  

Mazda’s limited warranty is three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Maintenance costs for the first year are estimated to be $268 by Edmunds.

Other driver assistance safety features for the CX-30 2.5 S are Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS And Driveline Traction Control, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Collision Mitigation-Front.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross L 4WD

• Starting price: $26,510
• 159 maximum horsepower at 6600 RPM 
• 31 mpg in the city/33 mpg on the highway  

Corolla Cross L has a limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Maintenance costs for the first year are estimated to be $53 by Edmunds.

Toyota Corolla Cross L’s driver assistance safety features also include Safety Connect (10-year trial) Emergency SOS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS And Driveline Traction Control, Pre-Collision System and Collision Mitigation-Front.

Share This Article: