Modern Car Features for the Aging Driver
Some models are a better fit for aging drivers. Here's what to consider when shopping for your next set of wheels.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in the October 2009 issue of Kiplinger's Retirement Report. To subscribe, click here.
Shopping for a new car? Sure, that snazzy two-seater convertible looks like fun. But if you plan to keep the car for a while, look for design features that can help make driving safer and easier as you age.
You’ll first want to be sure that you can enter and exit the car with little trouble. Over time a person can lose strength, so bounding from a low-riding car is no longer a snap. Look for a car with wide door openings and low thresholds.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Ideal seat height is between mid-thigh and lower buttocks when you’re standing next to the vehicle. While you may be accustomed to a sedan, a crossover sports utility vehicle is often “a lot more comfortable to get in and out of,” says John Nielsen, director of AAA National’s approved auto repair and auto buying services. Instead of having to bend down to enter, the driver can slide in and out of the vehicle. A crossover SUV is smaller than a traditional SUV, which requires too much climbing.
Adjustable seats with lumbar support are also useful. Seats should adjust six ways -- forward and backward, up and down, and the seat-back up and down. A tilting or telescopic steering wheel is also helpful, as are adjustable foot pedals that can move closer to you.
For those with arthritic hands and diminished motor skills, a thicker steering wheel is easier to grip, says Nielsen. Keyless entry and keyless ignition can avoid the pain of turning a key. Power mirrors and power seats let you make adjustments at the push of a button. Those with vision problems should consider dashboards with larger buttons and instrumentation that’s clearly labeled with contrasting text.
Wide-angle mirrors and a large back window become more critical as it becomes harder to turn to look behind you. “You want a big greenhouse, a lot of glass,” says James Riswick, automotive editor for Edmunds.com.
Test visibility when you’re shopping. While sitting in the car, have someone walk behind it to make sure you can clearly see out the back, suggests Nielsen.
High-tech items such as parking sensors, back-up cameras and blind-spot warning systems can alert drivers to objects in the way. Lane-departure systems will let you know if you’re drifting out of your lane. A few cars will even parallel park themselves. You can find high-tech features in both luxury and mid-price cars.
If you’re not a gadget person, look for a car that keeps things simple. “New cars are designed to look cool and work like an iPod,” Riswick says. “They can be complicated even for those far from retirement.” Hyundai, Toyota and Honda cater to those who seek simpler design, he says.
You might want a roomy vehicle for visiting grandkids. Riswick suggests looking for a large trunk, which could hold a mobility scooter or golf clubs.
Resources to Help You Shop
Review Edmunds.com’s list of “Top 10 Vehicles for Seniors for 2009” (www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10). Edmunds’ top ten are: 2009 BMW 5 Series, 2010 Ford Taurus, 2009 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2009 Honda Odyssey, 2009 Lexus SL 460, 2009 Mazda Mazda6, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550, 2009 Toyota Avalon, 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Volvo XC60.
Not on the list, but worth a look? Riswick says older drivers should also consider Hyundai’s offerings and the Ford Fusion. If you’re thinking of buying a used car, look at the lists from previous years.
You can also find ratings in AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers, developed with the National Older Driver Research and Training Center at the University of Florida. The eight-page listing, which is available at www.aaaseniors.com, checks off 20 “smart features” for 32 brands and 120 models. The Cadillac STS, for example, has all but two “smart features.” The Hyundai Veracruz has every feature available.
If you buy a car before 2010, Uncle Sam will help you out. You can deduct the sales and excise tax paid up to $49,500 on a new vehicle.
For more authoritative guidance on retirement investing, slashing taxes and getting the best health care, click here for a FREE sample issue of Kiplinger’s Retirement Report.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Climbs 288 Points After Amazon, Intel Earnings
Post-earnings strength from Amazon and Intel helped cushion the blow of a disappointing October jobs report.
By David Dittman Published
-
Nvidia Stock Is Joining the Dow. Is It Time to Buy?
Nvidia will replace Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average this Friday. What does it mean for the stock?
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
Medicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
By Catherine Siskos Last updated
-
Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit
inheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
By David Rodeck Last updated
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024: Good News for Teachers
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 a year.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
simple IRA The SIMPLE IRA contribution limit increased by $500 for 2024 and workers at small businesses can contribute up to $16,000 or $19,500 if 50 or over.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 is increasing, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated