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Many retirees choose SUVs for their higher seating position, better visibility and easier entry and exit than sedans. But keeping them has become more expensive. aaa estimated The average cost of owning and running a new vehicle is more than $11,500 per year after insurance, fuel, maintenance and depreciation are included. For retirees living primarily on Social Security, such costs can put a strain on a certain budget.
“When you’re living primarily on Social Security, you have to be extremely careful about large purchases because every dollar counts,” said insurance and finance expert Melanie Musson. clearsurance.com.
According to ChatGPT, here are the SUVs retirees on Social Security should buy.
subaru forester
The Subaru Forester appeared on ChatGPT’s list for its durability and standard all-wheel drive. consumer reports data Many model years showed generally strong reliability, with solid safety scores. according to CarEdgeForester maintenance and repair costs average $2,700 over the first five years, which is lower than the industry average for the popular SUV.
edmonds Estimates show that the Subaru Forester earns about 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for most trims, providing solid fuel efficiency for a compact SUV.
toyota rav4
consumer reports data Many Toyota RAV4 model years ranked above average for reliability. according to CarEdgeRAV4 maintenance and repair costs average $1,900 over the first five years, more than $1,600 less than the industry average for the popular SUV. consumer Reports It also noted that while the RAV4 remains a recommended vehicle, the current generation lags behind some rivals in interior quality, ride comfort and engine noise, and that an all-new RAV4 is coming soon.
edmonds The RAV4 is estimated to typically get around 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it competitive among compact SUVs; Hybrid versions often return significantly higher combined numbers.
Honda CR-V
ChatGPT identified the Honda CR-V as a low-risk option for retirees. consumer reports data Supporting that approach, several CR-V model years earned above-average reliability ratings.
repairpal data gave the CR-V a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, and CarEdge Estimated maintenance and repair costs over the first five years were approximately $2,400, more than $1,100 less than the industry average.
epa Estimates for the Honda CR-V put it at around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for non-hybrid versions, with hybrid variants capable of delivering EPA ratings near the low-40s in combined mpg.
Mazda CX-5
ChatGPT ranked the Mazda CX-5 for its balance of comfort and reliability. consumer reports data Recent model years have generally shown average to above-average reliability. according to CarEdgeMaintenance and repair costs for the CX-5 average $2,500 over the first five years, more than $1,000 less than the industry average.
from fuel-economy data edmonds The Mazda CX-5 was shown to get about 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for gasoline versions, which is on par with many competitors in its class.
Hyundai Tucson
ChatGPT covers Hyundai Tucson for low upfront costs and long warranty coverage. consumer reports data Recommended reliability has improved in recent model years. according to CarEdgeMaintenance and repair costs for the Tucson average about $2,700 over the first five years, about $900 less than the industry average.
epa The Hyundai Tucson’s fuel economy is estimated to be about 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, or about 28 mpg combined for gasoline models.
Editor’s Note: Starting vehicle prices were taken from each carmaker’s website.