Best Cars for Seniors, Safe Vehicles at Affordable Prices
Life spans are increasing, which is great news! This means that there are more senior drivers on the roads than ever before - and while older drivers have lower fatal crash rates compared to past years, they remain at greater risk of injury or death as a result of age-related fragility.
If you’re a senior driver hunting out for a vehicle in the used car lots, Indianapolis, the guide below offers a run-through of the key things to take into consideration before making a purchase, along with examples of some affordable, senior-friendly options.
Senior-Friendly Features to Consider
When choosing your perfect new vehicle, there are several key things to consider as a senior to help ensure you get the best option for your needs. Take into account this checklist when weighing up your choices.
Consider Accessibility
Many seniors find it tricky to bend and simultaneously move sideways to get into and out of the driver’s seat of a car. If you’re one of these folks, bear this in mind when choosing your new vehicle. A low-slung sedan is likely to be less accessible than a higher SUV, for example. You may also wish to look for a vehicle that features wide-opening doors and a tall roofline to make things even easier.
Take a Look at the Controls
Some seniors, especially those whose vision is more limited than it once was, may benefit from large, easy-to-read dashboard controls. Look for intuitive graphics, large fonts, and high-contrast displays. Voice controls may be particularly helpful. If the vehicle features a touchscreen, be sure to try it out to check how user-friendly it is.
Check Out the Safety Features
A vehicle’s safety features are a vital consideration for anyone looking to purchase a new car - but seniors, who may be more fragile or vulnerable to injury, should pay particular attention to this factor. Great safety features to look for in a prospective new vehicle include automatic emergency braking, a backup camera, blind spot and lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention warning.
Don’t Forget the Comfort Factor
Seniors who suffer from lower back pain, stiff hips, or increased sensitivity to cold may appreciate the heated seats that many vehicles now offer. Further, power seats can be adjusted in a variety of ways and are really helpful for finding the most comfortable driving position for you and for getting out of the vehicle.
Perfect Vehicles for Seniors on a Budget
The following vehicles are well suited to the needs of seniors and affordable, too.
Hyundai Tucson 2022
US News’ award for Best Compact SUV for the Money went to the Hyundai Tucson 2022 in recognition of this model’s affordability, spaciousness, comfort, and user-friendly tech. The vehicle also benefits from a generous cargo space, premium interior, and all-wheel drive options.
Kia Telluride 2022
Seniors looking for a vehicle with more passenger capacity should consider the three-row Kia Telluride 2022, which comes packed with a range of features designed to enhance safety and comfort - and has a surprisingly affordable price tag, too. This vehicle is particularly good for winter driving, offering increased safety and peace of mind.
Subaru Forester 2020
The suite of safety features incorporated into this model is truly impressive: seniors especially may appreciate the lane departure prevention assist warning, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed front collision warning. When it comes to getting as much bang for your buck as possible, it’s hard to beat this option from Subaru.
Hyundai Santa Fe 2020
A great mid-size SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts highly user-friendly dashboard controls, a touchscreen, and a multimedia system. Safety features include handy blind spot cameras that provide a view of the blind spot when the turn signal is activated. The vehicle also offers one of the best warranties in the whole car industry.
What Will I Pay for Auto Insurance as a Senior?
Average auto insurance rates, in general, are around $764 a year. However, the actual cost you’ll pay will be influenced by a number of factors, including your car, driving record, how much you drive, your driving habits, and the drivers you include. The type of coverage you choose and the amount of the deductible applicable will also have a significant bearing on the cost of your auto insurance.
Some insurance providers charge more when offering auto insurance to seniors, but this isn’t always the case, so it’s worth shopping around.
Final Thoughts
As a senior, enjoy a safer and more comfortable driving experience by taking into account several crucial factors when choosing your new vehicle. Pay careful attention to the vehicle’s safety features, accessibility, comfort levels, and the extent to which its dashboard and controls are user-friendly. And don’t forget to shop around Indianapolis used car dealerships for your auto insurance to ensure you get the best value coverage for your needs.
