Are you a senior who is in the market for a new vehicle? Have your needs changed over the years, and now you want to be sure the car you purchase fits your needs now and over the next handful of years? While there will always be some research involved in shopping for a new vehicle, these tips can make the process a little smoother for you.
Here are six things that seniors will want to pay close attention to when shopping for a new car.
1. Does the Sticker Price Work with Your Budget?
If you want to instantly narrow down your options and make it easier to choose the perfect car, then it’s a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping. Once you are looking at vehicles in person and taking them for test drives, spending more than you’re comfortable with can be tempting, which is why that budget should be set in advance. You can also let the car salesperson know your budget from the get-go.
2. What Size Vehicle Are You Comfortable With?
Now it’s time to think of the size of vehicle you are comfortable with. As a senior, you are no longer worrying about carting around the kids, so you probably don’t need a family-friendly vehicle with all the extra space. At the same time, you may feel more comfortable and safer in a larger vehicle such as an SUV.
For seniors who aren’t sure what size best suits them, try taking out a few different makes and models of different sizes so you can get a feel for how they handle them. Be sure also to try parking them.
3. Is the Ride Smooth?
As a senior, it’s normal to have minor aches and pains, and perhaps you don’t feel as comfortable sitting for long periods at a time. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to pick a vehicle known for a smooth ride. Of course, tires will also play a part in how smooth the ride is.
4. Do You Want Entertainment and Tech Features?
Then there are the entertainment and tech features in the vehicle. These include things like the sound system, a television screen, GPS, backup cameras, hands-free Bluetooth compatibility, and so forth.
5. Get a Car Insurance Quote
It’s also good to get a car insurance quote on the specific make and model you are considering. Car insurance can vary quite a bit from vehicle to vehicle, so this may factor into your final decision.
If you are a member of the AARP and over the age of 50, you can look into the benefits and discounts offered through the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, more specifically, AARP car insurance for seniors. AARP car insurance for seniors provides a wide array of benefits and discounts, such as lifetime car repair assurance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement, labor and towing insurance, and more.
6. Don’t Forget Safety
Finally, you want to be sure the vehicle has an excellent safety rating. Again, you can find this through online reviews and consumer reports.
Using these tips will ensure that you find the perfect car for your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
