The 5 Best Used Cars For A Retiree, According To Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has long been a trusted valuation tool for used cars, and retirees who are in the market for an affordable used car that will last for years to come may want to heed the recommendations of KBB as they search for the ideal vehicle. The resource could help a retiree avoid the regrets that come from buying an expensive luxury car or purchasing a model that can quickly drain retirement savings. 

What is it that makes a used car the perfect option for a retiree, though? Certain features, such as a low sticker price, definitely factor into the decision-making paradigm. But retirees also need a ride that's comfortable, accessible, and offers user-friendly driver-assistance features that make driving less stressful.

Reliability, safety ratings, and fuel economy are a few other reasons a retiree may want to consider a specific used model over its competitors. On KBB's list of best used cars for seniors, many factors were taken into consideration before selecting the vehicles. The list below narrows the choices down even further to single out the five best cars for a retiree, which include the 2018 Toyota RAV4, 2018 Honda Fit, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2020 Kia Forte, and 2021 Subaru Forester. These picks are based on information provided by KBB alongside additional research that compares details for each model, like recalls and consumer satisfaction ratings.

The Toyota RAV4 is among the top-selling SUVs in the United States and has been for several years. It's an excellent used model for retirees looking to acquire an SUV that's both durable and comfortable. KBB says models from the years between 2016 and 2018 are a good choice for seniors, but the 2018 RAV4 in particular could offer the best bang for your buck. 

Consumer Reports (CR) claims the average retail price for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 is between $14,300 and $19,300, so under $20,000. According to Consumer Reports, this RAV4 model year is also more reliable than its competitors, with only three recalls to its name. Finding a RAV4 with a hybrid engine adds to the value of this SUV because it means saving money on fuel as well as maintenance costs.

Aside from its reasonable price point and superb reliability, the RAV4 is fantastic for retirees because its compact size makes it easy to maneuver. It also sits up high, providing a good view of the road. Standard driver-assist tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to help take the stress out of every drive. KBB reports that 80% of owners would recommend the 2018 RAV4, and many drivers give the SUV high marks for its responsive handling, good performance, and value.

After the 2020 model year, the Honda Fit was discontinued, but not because it had faults. A changing market with a shift toward SUVs and crossovers was the main driver behind this sporty car getting the axe. But retirees who want a small hatchback with remarkable fuel economy might want to consider a 2018 Honda Fit as their next set of wheels. 

Although KBB says a used Fit can be hard to come by, its 33 mpg capability is sure to impress and make this car more desirable. The Fit offers a spacious interior with plenty of seating for five and a peppy four-cylinder engine that's perfect for urban driving. Consumer Reports says the 2018 Honda Fit is more reliable than other cars from this model year, which means you can expect it to hold up well into the future, even if you get one with higher mileage.

Per Consumer Reports, the average price for a Fit from 2018 comes in between around $9,200 and $12,800, making the car a top-notch value buy for budget-conscious retirees. The hatchback gets good safety ratings, and, depending on the trim, offers safety tech like lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control for hassle-free driving on longer trips. The infotainment system is simple and leaves drivers with some physical knobs so they're not completely dependent on tech, but it still offers smartphone integration to keep drivers connected.

Retirees searching for a midsize crossover could find exactly what they're looking for in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. This model has a lot going for it, from its abundant standard features and surprisingly spacious interior to only having two recalls; its value is undeniable. According to Consumer Reports, the average price of a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe falls somewhere between roughly $12,300 and $17,900. This crossover SUV is in the second spot on J.D. Power's list of best midsize SUVs for 2019, and it gets a great score from owners for its quality and reliability.

KBB claims the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine can feel a little underpowered for the Santa Fe, but finding a used version with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine could enhance the driving experience. All-wheel drive, a feature that improves traction, was an available option for the Santa Fe, which is a desirable feature for retirees who want peace of mind driving in any weather. Overall, 80% of drivers would recommend the Santa Fe, likely thanks to its high star rating for crash test results. The vehicle is also equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of driver-assist and safety tech for a relaxed drive in and out of the city. Fuel economy for the Santa Fe is decent, too, at up to 29 mpg on the highway.

There's no doubt SUVs provide an elevated seating position that can improve visibility, but some retirees may prefer a used car that sits a little closer to the ground. If so, the 2020 Kia Forte sedan may be just the car. KBB recommends used Fortes from 2019 to 2021, but the 2020 model stands out among its peers, sitting in the No. 3 spot on J.D. Power's list of best compact cars from 2020. The average price for a used Kia Forte is between $9,050 and $12,600, according to Consumer Reports, which puts it well within the budget of most retirees. The model also gets top-notch reliability scores from both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

Fuel economy for the Kia Forte is another reason for retirees to consider the vehicle, with some estimates reporting the car can get as much as 41 mpg on the highway and up to 31 mpg on city streets. Owners of the 2020 Forte love the car's convenient storage areas that make it easy to keep the car clean and organized. Plus, getting in and out of the second row is a breeze for passengers. Standard safety features aren't as abundant for the Forte, but with a used model, you may have access to driver-assist upgrades, such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, at no extra cost to you. The 2020 Kia Forte earned the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, putting drivers at ease behind the wheel.

Subaru is a brand known for being durable and long-lasting, and the 2021 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for retirees who want a vehicle that could outlive them. While most year models provide a practical ride for a range of drivers, the 2021 Forester isn't just a newer model, but it also has an 85% recommendation rate on KBB. Owners praise the Forester not only for its value, but also for its reliability and good looks. All-wheel drive is standard for every model, providing exceptional grip in just about any driving conditions, and it gets up to 33 mpg on the highway, an impressive efficiency for such a sturdy, dependable crossover.

Consumer Reports says a 2021 Subaru Forester has an average price of between $16,975 and $21,925. This is a little pricier than some other used models, but the 2021 Forester is highly rated for its quality and reliability, earning the No. 3 spot on J.D. Power's list of best compact SUVs from 2021. Retirees can appreciate how easy the car is to enter and exit, but it was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, ensuring drivers feel confident no matter where the road takes them. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard for the Forester, but some used models may also come with additional safety tech for a relaxing drive.