2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
In old age, the longing for the sports car disappears in some. In addition to bodywork and engine power, other attributes become more important in order to survive everyday road traffic.
Cars are always driven and advertised by young people. The reality looks different, however, if only because of demographic change. However, there are no purely senior citizens' vehicles, and for image reasons they cannot be sold either. But there are some vehicles that are particularly useful for seniors. You don't always have to buy a new car.
Compact SUVs or vans preferred
In general, older people should admit that sitting high is not only comfortable, but also practical. Deep sports cars or particularly sporty limousines or coupés are chic, but more of a handicap for everyday use. Higher four- or five-door vehicles are more suitable, in which the passengers can take a seat on the high-mounted and comfortable seats without much effort or contortion.
These include compact SUVs like FordKuga, Suzuki SX4, Toyota RAV4 or VW Tiguan. Compact vans such as the Ford C-Max, Mercedes B-Class, Opel Zafira, Toyota Corolla Verso or VW Touran are not only suitable for families, but also offer many advantages for pensioners. But compact vehicles with a higher body are also practical, especially the Mercedes A-Class and the VW Golf Plus. There are also some interesting offers in the small car class, such as the Audi A2, Ford Fusion, Opel Meriva and Nissan Note. Compact and small cars have the advantage that parking is easier - even without parking assistance and sensors.
Assistance systems relieve straining the body
But they should also be included in the used car, because with the support, twisting backwards becomes almost superfluous. Other technical aids are also welcome on board, including a navigation device, ESP and a blind spot assistant. Depending on the vehicle, you could order these features years ago, and you must pay attention to them during a test drive. You can also indulge in a little more luxury such as electric windows front and rear, air conditioning and seat heating. Darkened windows, on the other hand, are just as counterproductive as a heated windscreen (at Ford), which darkens the window. It is easy for drivers with visual impairments to have problems with it.
Regardless of the engine choice, an automatic transmission not only increases comfort, but also safety. Because the drivers no longer have to worry about shifting gears and can concentrate fully on the road. For the engine, usually only a gasoline engine comes into question, at least from an economic point of view. Even with enterprising senior citizens, the annual mileage is rarely higher than 12,000 kilometers per year.
Suzuki SX4 - the inexpensive one
The crossover has been available with all-wheel drive or only front-wheel drive since 2006, as a used car from around 7,000 euros. In the TÜV deficiency report, the Japanese performed better than its peers in almost all areas. He only has to admit defeat with the footbrake. For the engine, the 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 78 kW / 107 hp is a good choice. Even if the Japanese achieved four out of five stars in the EuroNCAP crack test in 2006, ESP was not available as standard equipment. Be careful!
Toyota Rav4 - the classic
Until the Germans discovered the compact SUV market for themselves, the Toyota was number 1 for years - and rightly so. Because in terms of quality, no one can beat it, even with older vehicles. In the TÜV defect report, even cars over ten years old do significantly better than the competition. The Japanese are available from 2500 euros for early models from 1995 onwards. Newer vehicles from 2006, on the other hand, cost at least 13,000 euros. They are the better choice because seven airbags, ESP and air conditioning are on board. The RAV4 achieved four out of five stars in the crash test.
Mercedes A and B-Class - the misunderstood
The A-Class (W168 series, W169 from 2004) is often not seen as a "real" Mercedes - wrongly. The quality comes close to legendary models like the W124 E-Class and rust is hardly an issue even with older models. In addition, there is an astonishingly large amount of space for a compact car, a comfortable and high seating position and a decent build quality.
The engines of the newer generation from 2004 onwards have an output between 60 kW / 82 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. Since it was designed as a city car, a medium-sized petrol engine such as an A170 or the cultivated A180 CDI is sufficient; it is more convenient with an automatic transmission. The A-Class did above average in the main inspections by TÜV, Dekra and GTÜ. The exhaust and fuel system are more rarely defective than on other models. As usual with Mercedes, the list of accessories for the A-Class is very long. Good for those who find a well-equipped vehicle, but then a price of over 7500 euros is due.
Nissan Note - the smart one
The Note is a colorful mix of small cars, vans and station wagons, which swallows up to 1332 liters of luggage, offers many storage compartments and is solidly made. In the TÜV ranking it is at the top, the quality is accordingly good and early models from 2006 are available from 6900 euros. However, ESP is not on board as standard; the Guardian Angel will only be standard equipment from August 2010. A good engine is the strong 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 81 KW / 110 PS.
Opel Meriva - the family friend
The Meriva is actually a car for families. But what is good for the children and grandchildren cannot be bad for the grandparents. The seats are high, the all-round view of the van, which was built in 2003, is very good and the engines between 55 kW / 75 PS and 132 kW / 180 PS are lively. A good choice is the 1.6-liter with 77 kW / 105 PS.
The sliding back seat, known as "Flex Space", is particularly practical. The middle backrest is lowered so that the two outer seats can move backwards. The 4.04 meter short Opel is available on the used car market from 4200 euros.
VW Golf Plus - the inconspicuous
The VW Golf has been the best-selling car in Germany for years. The quality is right, the engine selection is large and the list of options is long. The Wolfsburg remains visually restrained, as is the high-roof variant Golf Plus. With a little more roof height and higher seats, the Plus is very popular with seniors. The prices are stable with at least 8200 euros for vehicles built from 2004 onwards, but well-equipped cars with automatic transmission and a modern TSI petrol engine with at least 90 kW / 122 PS are more expensive. (SP-X)
