Am looking to help my parents purchase a car that will likely be their last one. They’re 65 and 73, retired and need to finally give up their 2004 Toyota corolla which is practically crumbling on them in terms of the paint and interior. They’re not financially able to upgrade themselves so I would be buying it myself and trying to avoid spending more than 25k before taxes. Is that going to be unrealistic?
Any suggestions on which model might be the best for parents who will only be using the car for running small errands in town and don’t need a ton of space that could last them the next 15 or so years?
Get a Rav or some smaller suv
Have them check with the insurance provider before purchasing new. a Used Honda or Toyota (not a tundra) probably the way to go.
Will make sure to do that!
Miata
Get them a small suv or even a basic mini van. Getting in and out of cars gets harder with age. My parents wrecked their camry and replaced it with a Honda Odyssey. They (both upper 70s at the time) love it for the smooth ride and higher seats.
My parents said the same thing, and since they had 2 cars each. And now 77 and 79. These maybe the last ones however since they don’t drive that much but my fathers 08 Corolla had rust holes forming and started to have leaks and engine rattle so we got rid of it for a 2021 Jetta. The 2017 Rogue is still going strong at 52k miles, not driven a lot so it should last her. I bought the Rogue for her.
At that age, consider a higher car. It is hard for people their age to get in and out of a low car. The Jetta we shouldn’t have gotten and got an Escape, Rav4 or similar.
The Corolla hatchback is a life changer with the cargo capacity and comfort. Engines not slow either. Toyotas don’t burn oil like new Nissan or Mitsubishi’s. I love my Corolla hatchback, only thing better would be a rediculous Lexus.
If they like the Corolla, get another Corolla. If they want something smaller get a Yaris.
Corolla /Prius/ Camry/civic / accord are all good options
Another 2004 Corolla
A new Corolla if you want it to be Toyota. A Nissan Versa is a good alternative because it’s cheaper, but with Nissan Prices come Nissan quality.
Corolla or Camry. I love my 2019 Camry SE I bought right before covid. Never had one issue with it and my dealership has lifetime warranty on the powertrain and included 4 years of free servicing.
2 door car - they have bigger doors to get in an out - the big issue is they are going from no tech to tech - look around for cars with buttons for controls and dials - dual zone ac and heat also makes a huge difference
Cadillac all the way
A Venza would work. Lower to the ground so it’ll be easy to get in and out of while still having seats that are higher up than a sedan like a Corolla or Camry. Especially as they get older they’ll appreciate that.
My dad and stepmom have a CRV. They are 68 and 70. They also have a Tundra still that my dad drives as needed but for the basics, like my stepmom going for groceries, errands or whatever, the CRV is perfect.
It’s taller than their Accord they had, so easier to get in and out of, but not as high as the Tundra. It’s comfortable inside and the cargo area does have good storage space and the back seat is roomy enough for toting grandkids around when they visit, etc.
My mom, 67, has a Camry and she still loves it, but I do think she has some issues getting in and out of it, but also drives a lot less now than she used to, now that she’s in a senior living community with amenities all right there on the property. She might leave the property once a week if that, mainly just for groceries.
A RAV4 would be a good pick too, my sister has a RAV4 and really likes it.