Whether you want an SUV for transporting the grandkids or a convertible for enjoying your retirement, we’ve found 10 of the best cars for older drivers.
Retirement is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a new car. Maybe your requirements have changed - are you now covering fewer miles than before? Perhaps you need to transport grandchildren or need more space to cater for a new hobby.
No matter what your budget or requirements, we have some great cars available for retired car buyers. To give you some inspiration, our experts have gathered 10 of the best cars for retired people - ranging from two-seater sports cars to modern electric vehicles and even SUVs.
Fiat Panda
Year launched: 2012
The Fiat Panda is a really likeable little car that’s now available with a mild-hybrid 1.0-litre engine. While it’s not capable of running under electric power, the engine can shut off as the Panda rolls to a stop below 18mph. That means it’s very relaxing to drive around town and good on fuel, too.
It’s also very comfortable, with a higher-than-normal seating position which aids access and gives you a good view of the road ahead (also helped by generously-proportioned windows). The boot is much bigger than similar cars of its size, too.
You’ll need to look at a relatively new model for the mild-hybrid system, but there are pre-registered examples available for as little as £12,500. Alternatively, a three-year-old Panda with the old 1.2-litre engine can be bought from just £5000.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Year launched: 2021
Maybe you fancy treating yourself to a posh set of wheels for your retirement or maybe you've already got a classy saloon but want something smaller – either way, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an excellent choice.
From the outside, you'll struggle to spot the new C-Class from the old model, but the same is not true from the inside where a large portrait-style infotainment display provides a massive hint. It looks great and is easy to use via the car's intuitive voice activation system The big screen means there's no need for a clutter of buttons so the cabin looks classy, and has space for four tall adults.
The C-Class has a PHD in comfort. The smooth gearbox, quiet cabin and autonomous driving aids shrink long motorway slogs, although specify small wheels to get the best ride. All engines have hybrid technology but the the basic 220d diesel has an unbeatable combination of fuel economy and performance.
Kia e-Niro
Year launched: 2019
If you hate cars that are all style and no substance, you'll love the Kia e-Niro. It looks like nothing more than a modest small SUV – there's no shouty body kit, big wheels or flashy badge. Even the interior is unassuming.
Yet behind its mask conventionalism hides one of the cleverest electric cars on sale. It has a range of nearly 300 miles and range readout that is far more accurate than any other electric car's we've encountered. Its performance is sublime. Hot hatch owner's jaws will hit the ground when the Kia slaughters them off the lights, but the instant torque and silent delivery also make it very relaxing to drive.
The battery-motor combo shines because everything else in the Kia feels normal. The interior has plenty of conventional buttons – so it's easy to navigate if fussy to look at – there's space for four adults and a boot that has a nice square shape, albeit not a class-leading capacity. It's not enough to dampen our enthusiasm for what is one of the best EVs on sale.
Honda Jazz
Year launched: 2020
It’s a bit of a cliché, but there’s a good reason why the Honda Jazz is a popular choice with an older demographic. Its higher-than-normal driving position makes getting in and out of the car easy, while its clever ‘magic’ rear seats mean there’s plenty of room for trips to the garden centre.
There’s a new Honda Jazz on the market, too, and it’s only available with a hybrid motor. That means it’s very efficient and cheap to run. Honda also has a good reputation for long-term reliability, so that’s yet another thing the Jazz has going for it.
If you want a rugged version of the Jazz, you could opt for the Honda Jazz Crosstar model. This is almost a crossover SUV, with a raised ride height and some extra body cladding. It’s not cheap, but ex-demo examples are available for £21,000.
Mazda MX-5
Year launched: 2015
Not ready for a high seating position and a big boot? Retirement could be the perfect time to treat yourself to that sports car you’ve already wanted. The Mazda MX-5 is the most popular soft-top on the market - and for very good reason.
It’s simply brilliant to drive, with a choice of peppy 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol engines. The smaller 1.5 is arguably better, with enough power for most drivers and more balanced handling. It won’t cost lots to run, either, with late-40s mpg achievable in the real world.
The latest MX-5 has been on sale since 2015, with various updates over the years. Shop around and you’ll get a brand new example for around £21,500, while early examples of the fourth-generation model are now dropping below £12,000.
Volkswagen T-Roc cabriolet
Year launched: 2020
Even if you can see the attraction of sitting further from the road, you can still get your topless thrills. The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is a crossover SUV, about the size of a Volkswagen Golf but with a high seating position and a retractable fabric roof.
Like the standard T-Roc, the Cabriolet gets a solid interior with plenty of space. It only has two doors, but there’s a reasonable amount of space for those in the back. Kids, in particular, will love it.
There are two petrol engines offered in the T-Roc Cabriolet: a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5. Both are great. In fact, don’t dismiss the 1.0-litre, it’s got plenty of power for hauling the T-Roc around.
Renault Zoe
Year launched: 2013
If all you’re after in a retirement car is something to get you from A to B, we’d recommend a little electric city car like the Renault Zoe. The latest model can travel up to 245 miles between charges, meaning it doesn’t just make sense around town. Indeed, an electric car like this almost makes more sense in rural areas - where you’re more likely to have access to parking with electricity, and petrol stations are few and far between.
The Renault Zoe feels just like any other small car, albeit with near-silent running and just the two pedals to bother with. If you haven’t driven an electric vehicle before, the Zoe’s a perfect introduction - it’s both fun yet easy to drive.
The latest model has been on sale since late 2019. Around £24,000 will get you a nearly-new one, representing a decent saving off the £26,495 list price (after the Government’s plug-in car grant).
Citroen C3
Year launched: 2017
While many small cars make too much of an effort to be sporty, with a harsh ride and big alloy wheels, the Citroen C3 rebuffs that approach. It’s a really comfortable little car with supportive seats and impressive ride quality.
One of our favourite features of the Citroen C3 is the built-in dashcam. This is called Connected Cam and is standard on high-spec models, ready to automatically save clips after an accident.
We’d recommend one with the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine and automatic gearbox. £11,000 should get you a three-year-old example in top-spec Flair trim, while just £7000 will get you a base-spec Feel with the manual transmission.
Skoda Kamiq
Year launched: 2019
Small crossover SUVs like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Roc are perfect for older drivers. They’re easy (and relaxing) to drive, with high seating positions and enough space for trips to the tip or transporting family members.
The Skoda Kamiq is one of our favourites. It represents very good value for money, with ex-demo models available for less than £17,000. That’s for an S model, although we’d look for a mid-spec SE model with its 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-inch media system and even an umbrella in the driver’s door.
Refreshingly, the Kamiq’s light steering, soft pedals and wafty ride quality mean it prioritises comfort over sportiness. We’d recommend the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine for most drivers, but the 1.5 is a good alternative if you want a bit more power.
Dacia Duster
Year launched: 2018
If you’re not fussed about having the latest technology or parking a flashy car on your driveway, a Dacia Duster could be a really strong purchase. It’s one of the most affordable cars on the market, with prices for a new one starting from just £11,245. That’s for the basic Access model, though, which doesn’t even come with a radio or air conditioning.
As ever, your money goes further on the used market. The same cash will get you a pre-registered Essential model, with delivery miles and desirable features like air-con, DAB radio and roof bars. A top-spec Duster Prestige will cost you around £15,000.
While the Dacia Duster isn’t as plush as a Volkswagen T-Cross or as good to drive as a Ford Puma, the latest model represents a significant improvement compared to its predecessor. The 1.3-litre petrol is excellent, and you can even buy four-wheel-drive or LPG-powered versions.
If anything, you might come to rely on your car more than ever during retirement. You’ll have more time for exploring new places or indulging your interests, and that’s going to be more of a faff relying on public transport.
It depends on your requirements. Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf make a lot of sense for older drivers - they’re easy and relaxing to drive. Alternatively, you could consider a compact (and affordable) Kia Picanto, or the practical (and versatile) Honda Jazz.
It depends on your requirements. Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf make a lot of sense for older drivers - they’re easy and relaxing to drive. Alternatively, you could consider a compact (and affordable) Kia Picanto, or the practical (and versatile) Honda Jazz.
