New Or Used?: The Retirement List Edition

by Sajeev Mehta

Published: January 3rd, 2010

[Editors note: TTAC’s new car-buying column “New or Used?” wants to help you find the perfect car. Submit as much information about your car-buying scenario (needs, wants, budget) to mehta@ttac.com and TTAC’s new and used car experts will get you started on your quest for the ideal conveyance.]

Almost Retired writes:

I’m nearing retirement age, and I want a nice large sedan. It should be safe, quiet, reliable and comfortable for freeway traveling, but not too flashy or expensive. $40k maximum budget, but I’d prefer to stay well under that.

Steve Lang: It all depends on what you like. In fact, your tastes can pretty much be served by a buffet full of models these days. Name your Buick. Name your Lincoln. In fact, Toyota is rapidly becoming the ‘mature’ brand of choice with a few Hyundais, Fords, Chevys and even a loaded Accord faring well with the retirement crowd.. My top choice would be the Lexus ES350. It rides and drives better than a Mercedes S-Class of a mere few years ago with far better fuel economy, easier handling, and that unique understated ostentation that makes it ‘nice’ without being snobbish.

Sajeev Mehta: Don’t get one of those new Buicks aimed at young whippersnappers, those Buick folks gave you the bum’s rush for no reason. But if you must, the Buick Lucerne without the coolant-sucking wonder known as the Northstar V8 might be a good value, even if it can’t hold a candle to the Lexus ES350 recommended above. I spoke with several ES350 owners after my review of this vehicle: there were numerous problems after its 2007 introduction. So avoid the first year of production like the plague. Or get a used Lincoln Town Car, preferably with aftermarket 20″ chrome wheels so all the young folk know who’s still the boss.

#CarBuying #NewOrUsed? #Sedan

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 41 comments

BklynPete on Jan 04, 2010

Right on, mountainman! Some the B&B need to get a clue. I just hope Almost Retired doesn't regret writing in.

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PGAero on Jan 04, 2010

535i sounds like the best suggestion here. Live a little!

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