Good cars for old people (lease, 2012, rear-wheel drive, fuel)

[Oildog]

My mom has hinted she needs a new car as hers is about 12-15 years old. She is in her 70s and doesnt drive much. Just her errands, meet friends, lunch and church. Its in Minnesota so keep winters in mind. Suggestions?

[NJGOAT]

How much is your mom willing to spend? That ultimately is what will drive the suggestions. One thing you may want to consider is something like a leased VW Jetta. They often run lease specials with nothing down and the payments are under $200 a month. On top of that, they also include all the maintenance. Since she will be easily within the mileage allotment, it could make a lot of sense.

[Ohiogirl81]

I'll see your Mom's Minnesota and raise you my mom's Erie, Pa., LOL.

My mom loves her Taurus, but if the weather is bad -- meaning if there's a cloud in the sky because it might snow -- the car stays in the garage so I don't know what her take is on the car's performance in the snow.

Honestly? I wish she'd get something a bit smaller like the Fusion that's more easily maneuvered because she seems to be hesitant when parking, making sharp turns, etc. Something really small like my Mazda 3 is out because she has trouble maneuvering herself in and out of my car -- your mom's agility is something to consider.

I'd say a two- or three-year-old midsize would be ideal. Most of them have front-wheel drive, right? Does anyone make a rear-wheel drive car anymore?

[Oildog]

I think she wants me to buy it for her since she is on a limited income. I'm thinking she may have to rely on public transit. I'm selfis and am not too keen on buying her a car.

[TrapperL]

I'd buy used. Look for an exceptionally clean Grand Marquis. They are about as nice as any Lincoln on the road, well built, safe, and few problems. It uses regular gas, has plenty of power, good fuel mileage, great amenities, and she'll recognize it as a "heavy" car. Old folks like them "heavy" cars. The biggest issue I see with it is if she only goes for short trips, no matter what she drives, she's going to sludge the engine. If you live close by, it needs a trip about twice a month to unload the condensate from the oil. In a short trip environment and the cold weather, avoid synthetic oils as they have issues with corrosion which shows up as a wear metal. The 4.6 engine is near bulletproof and is extraordinarily smooth. It's been on the Wards Ten Best Engines list for many years.

[Kalbo]

Honda Accord

[North Beach Person]

Not a make recommendation but I agree with those who say something smaller as she seems to becoming hesitant in normal driving manuevers. My mother had a Lumina which started to collect strange bumper scrapes the last couple years she was driving. I yanked her license at 85.

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by Oildog

I think she wants me to buy it for her since she is on a limited income. I'm thinking she may have to rely on public transit. I'm selfis and am not too keen on buying her a car.

All that aside, what's the price range? Are we talking $1,000 max in cash or are you going to finance up to $10k or something like that? Assuming the car she has is in decent shape, I would just have her keep driving that and keep up with the regular maintenance. No point in buying another car, especially if she needs you to buy it, when the one she has is fine, it's just old. If mom was spending her own money, different story.

[manderly6]

[hoffdano]

Why not something like a Ford Escape? Nice outward vision - sit a bit high for visibility, easy to get in and out of, and should have simple dash controls. She may like it being a Ford, the same brand as her Taurus.