The best cars for older drivers

Cars have changed considerably over the years, and as we get older, so do our driving habits and tastes. Whether our priority is safety, comfort or technological assistance, is there such a thing as the best car for older drivers? Let’s explore some of the options.

How to choose a car for older drivers

Everyone’s different, but for most of us, the type of car we want to drive in our fifties, sixties or seventies is likely to look and feel different to our cherished vehicles of yesteryear. Fortunately, automotive technology has advanced over the years, and there are some brilliant cars for older drivers to consider.

So, what makes a suitable car in later life? Here are some key factors.

Ease of access

If you’re experiencing any challenges with your mobility, climbing in and out of a car isn’t always straightforward. A low-slung sedan or sports car may be difficult to access, whereas high cars for elderly drivers like SUVs with wide-opening doors may fit the bill.

Comfort

If you have any aches and pains, it’s worth considering a car that has a comfortable seat with plenty of back support. Some vehicles have height adjustable seats so that you can enjoy life in the fast lane in a comfortable driving position.

Visibility

It’s a fact of life that our eyesight tends to deteriorate as we grow older, but there are some fantastic vehicles with features that enhance visibility on the road. If this is a priority for you, look for a car with large windscreens, side windows and raised driving positions.

Safety

Staying safe on the road is a priority for every driver, and if you find yourself driving less frequently in later life, it’s understandable if you’re keen to get a car with top safety credentials. You could consider a vehicle with cruise control technology, which limits the car’s speed when required. And if you’d like to see which vehicles have been highly rated for safety performance, see the Euro NCAP website.

Driving assistance

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, some of the best cars for older drivers have assistance features that can make life on the road that bit easier. Here are just some examples of what that might include:

• Parking sensors
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind spot detection
• Voice recognition
• Forward collision warning systems.

What is the best car for people with arthritis?

If you have arthritis, the best cars will often help you avoid unnecessary movements with the help of technology. This could include cars with keyless entry systems, which allow you to unlock a vehicle using a special fob as you approach, rather than handling the key. These vehicles include:

• Toyota models such as the Tacoma , Aygo and Corolla , which have ‘Smart Entry’ keyless technology.
• Ford cars, such as the Focus ST, which has an ‘Intelligent Access’ smart key system and a ‘push-button start’ feature. This means you can start the car without having to dig in your pockets for the key.
• BMW vehicles like the 2022 iX, as well as the 2023 X1 and iX1 . These models benefit from BMW’s Digital Key feature, which enables automatic unlocking of your vehicle through your smartphone or smartwatch.

Additionally, some of the most suitable cars for people with arthritis include features like power-assisted steering, which can take away some of the strain on longer journeys.

The best small automatic cars for older drivers

Opinions are split on whether manual or automatic gearboxes are preferable, but for some older drivers, automatic cars are a blessing. If you have any issues with mobility, automatic transmission may be appealing, given you won’t need to manually use a gearstick or clutch pedal. The likes of the Toyota Prius or the Mini hatchback are reckoned to be among the best suited small automatic cars for older drivers.

Are these the best cars for older drivers?

Every driver has different priorities, so it’s worth thinking about your individual preferences. If you think size matters, you may want to opt for a smaller car like a Ford Focus. Equally, you may prefer spacious vehicles with lots of legroom, like the Volkswagen ID.3. And while you might find that new cars have the latest safety features, there are plenty of used cars that are roadworthy and reliable.

But some attributes of a car are less subjective, so we thought we’d compile some of the best cars for older drivers based on Age UK’s recommendations:

How to purchase your next car

Suitably inspired? Once you’re ready to secure your next vehicle, here are some simple steps you may wish to take.

1. Choose between a private seller or a car dealership. You may be able to pay less when using a private seller, but on the other hand, if something goes wrong with the vehicle you may feel more secure if you can simply pick up the phone to the dealership.
2. Test drive the car. You’ll only know if it’s the right vehicle for you by taking it for a spin.
3. Inspect the car and research its history. You can check the MOT history of a vehicle online.
4. Get additional advice. If you’d like a second opinion, do you have a family member or friend who can help you make the purchasing decision?
5. Before you hit the road, sort out your essentials like car insurance and vehicle tax.

Get peace of mind with Saga car insurance

Whether you drive for work, leisure or both, it’s fair to say that life on the road is never risk-free. Third party insurance is a minimum legal requirement for UK drivers, but with Saga over 50s car insurance, you’ll be in expert hands if you ever need to make a claim. Or if you’re looking to transfer your car insurance to a new vehicle, we can guide you through the process – simply call 0800 302 9735.