The best cars as you get older
The long and winding road – from SUVs, budget buys and EVs to fun open tops, our expert has the best cars for later-life motoring.
The long and winding road – from SUVs, budget buys and EVs to fun open tops, our expert has the best cars for later-life motoring.
Age doesn’t mean you are restricted to a life in the slow lane – comfort, accessibility and safety may be increasingly important but there are still lots of cars to make driving a pleasure.
Whether you have learnt to embrace the very latest assistance technology, or find a digitalised dashboard isn’t your thing, there’s a huge choice of popular models to suit every lifestyle need.
Ford stopped making the iconic Fiesta three years ago to concentrate on electric models, such as the Puma Gen-E. However, after almost 50 years in production, the Fiesta remains a familiar and popular choice – even as a secondhand buy.
The UK’s top-selling car from 2009-20, this roomy hatchback is famed as a reliable and comfortable runabout. Easy handling, high fuel-efficiency and countless trim levels to suit every pocket make this Ford hard to beat.
The experts at Saga Insurance have advice on what you need to consider when buying a car as you get older, from ease of access, to visibility and comfort.
A car that does everything? The Honda Jazz ticks just about all the boxes. Regularly rated as the best model for older drivers, the Jazz offers wide, easy-access doors, a high seating position and brilliant all-round visibility.
Praised for high reliability and low running costs – especially the latest hybrid versions – the Jazz also features a user-friendly interior that won’t flummox technophobes.
The ‘Magic Seats’ are a real talking point, folding up or flat to allow extra carrying space.
The boxy EV2 is the equivalent of the best-selling Kia Soul that is no longer in production. A compact SUV, the new EV2’s high roofline allows for easy entry and exit, without the need to climb up or drop down onto the seats. The upright seating position also offers great all-round visibility, as well as hassle-free parking.
A small but spacious electric car, the long-range version will cover up to 281 miles between charges. Kia offers a generous seven-year warranty on all cars.
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My favourite EV was the Renault 5 – until the slightly larger Renault 4 recently came along. Blessed with a high seating position, a practical 420-litre boot with a low loading lip, plus easy access, the 4 blends technology with an old-school charm missing in so many modern cars.
Agile, comfortable and designed with a premium-feel cabin, this retromobile will travel up to 249 miles on a single charge.
Charming and rather lovable, the new Hyundai Inster is a fabulous little EV that’s more affordable than a Mini. A Tardis-like interior, high seating position and ease of parking should make it a top choice. Despite measuring just 3.8-metres long, the tall, box-like design ensures this Korean supermini feel much larger.
Value for money features include sliding seating configurations to create extra luggage space, as well as heated seats.
Subaru has one of the best reliability records of any car brand – they just keep on going. The Forester was updated in 2025 and offers superb, all-round visibility, intuitive controls and the extra security of all-wheel drive.
The Scooby is also a top choice if you happen to live in the countryside, while the Subara badge is “classless” – driven by lords and loafers alike.
The Mazda MX-5 is a modern-day MGB. A relatively inexpensive, fun and reliable two-seater that will wind back the clock to when you had hair to mess up when the roof is down. Lightweight design makes it perfect for everyday use – latest versions are very economical too.
If you want a year-round alternative, the RF (retractable fastback) is a folding hard-top version that enhances security, reduces wind noise and has the option of an automotive transmission.
People who turn their nose up at the Dacia Jogger haven’t driven one. A cut-price, seven-seat SUV, there is nothing else on the road to match its all-round abilities for under £20,000.
With easy access for child seats, a whopping boot and high safety rankings, you might wonder why grandparents ever look elsewhere. Expect easy driving dynamics, a smooth ride and a durable interior.
What car would I buy in retirement? Simple – a Skoda Superb estate. It may not be the sexiest car in the street but few vehicles are as effective as this massive, wonderfully competent estate.
Not only that, with an unrivalled 690 litres of boot space, your Czech mate will gobble up trolleys, bags and all manner of golf paraphernalia.
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