Am looking to help my parents purchase a car that will likely be their last one. They’re 65 and 73, retired and need to finally give up their 2004 Toyota corolla which is practically crumbling on them in terms of the paint and interior. They’re not financially able to upgrade themselves so I would be buying it myself and trying to avoid spending more than 25k before taxes. Is that going to be unrealistic?
Any suggestions on which model might be the best for parents who will only be using the car for running small errands in town and don’t need a ton of space that could last them the next 15 or so years?
A brand new Corolla after negotiating should be possible at 25k
just get another corolla or a camry… cant go too wrong with them
a self driving car would be easy for them for their age. but they are electric and like most appliances they get obsolete fast.
Or just get them VR so they think they’re driving
The current gen corrolas are pretty nice and u should easily be able to find one 2020 or newer for that price and have enough for an extended warranty if desired.
Get a used Corolla. I have a 2019 Corolla I bought new that year. It was the last model before the refresh. No issues with it whatsoever ever and should last them a while
Have them check with the insurance provider before purchasing new. a Used Honda or Toyota (not a tundra) probably the way to go.
Will make sure to do that!
Miata
My parents said the same thing, and since they had 2 cars each. And now 77 and 79. These maybe the last ones however since they don’t drive that much but my fathers 08 Corolla had rust holes forming and started to have leaks and engine rattle so we got rid of it for a 2021 Jetta. The 2017 Rogue is still going strong at 52k miles, not driven a lot so it should last her. I bought the Rogue for her.
At that age, consider a higher car. It is hard for people their age to get in and out of a low car. The Jetta we shouldn’t have gotten and got an Escape, Rav4 or similar.
The Corolla hatchback is a life changer with the cargo capacity and comfort. Engines not slow either. Toyotas don’t burn oil like new Nissan or Mitsubishi’s. I love my Corolla hatchback, only thing better would be a rediculous Lexus.
Another 2004 Corolla
A new Corolla if you want it to be Toyota. A Nissan Versa is a good alternative because it’s cheaper, but with Nissan Prices come Nissan quality.
Corolla or Camry. I love my 2019 Camry SE I bought right before covid. Never had one issue with it and my dealership has lifetime warranty on the powertrain and included 4 years of free servicing.
2 door car - they have bigger doors to get in an out - the big issue is they are going from no tech to tech - look around for cars with buttons for controls and dials - dual zone ac and heat also makes a huge difference
A Venza would work. Lower to the ground so it’ll be easy to get in and out of while still having seats that are higher up than a sedan like a Corolla or Camry. Especially as they get older they’ll appreciate that.
Cadillac all the way