3 Things to Consider When Selecting a Car for Retirement

In many ways, retirement used to be a fairly simple affair, where we would work until 65, indulge in hobbies for a few years and then expire gracefully. For many, those days are gone as life expectancies have increased significantly and pensions are underfunded. It may well be the case that some of us may have to carry on working for a little longer than intended. This is also reflected in our choice of vehicles that are suitable as retirement cars. If you require financing, Honda car finance deals at Peel Honda are very competitive, but it is still vital to choose the right vehicle.

1. Pick the Right Comfort Level

When you reach a more advanced age, you're entitled to a little comfort. This means that you need a comfortable driving position that is adjustable to your needs. Another consideration is the ride comfort; many modern vehicles have adaptive dampers and other drive train enhancements. It is a good idea to avoid low slung or high vehicles that may be hard to get in and out of. A large glass windscreen and cameras that assist with visibility will assist those of us that need eye correction. One area that is not considered enough is the accessibility of the boot area. Some luggage areas are very deep, and the tailgate can be quite high, making it hard to get cargo in and out of the car. Pick a car that offers a shallower boot space with a flatter tailgate and your back will thank you for it.

2. Consider Depreciation

A new car will typically depreciate in value by at least 25% during the first year of ownership. By the end of three years, this will increase to over 50%. As a new retiree on a fixed income, this is a good way to make a dent in your capital. You may want to consider a quality used or demo car to offset this loss. Most car dealers can offer new car finance and used car finance if required. Many used cars are supplied with warranties, servicing packages, and other extras. Always check with the dealer to see what is included in the deal before signing on the dotted line.

3. Safety is Key

As we age our reaction times, and perception deteriorates. The great news is that this can be compensated for with technology. Many cars today come with great collision avoidance features, such as collision warning sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warnings and reversing cameras. In the event of a crash occurring you need to ensure that the car has a 5 star ANCAP safety rating with plenty of airbags and impact resistance features.

If you would like to know more about Honda car finance deals, contact us here at Peel Honda. We have a diverse selection of both new and used cars available to buy. We offer car financing at very competitive rates to suit most circumstances. For further information check out our website or contact our sales team and they will be happy to help.

Adney Smith is a writer across several reputed automotive web posts. He writes for many online journals and portals that are related to cars. He has keen interest on cars and follows the industry all the time.