Suddenly Seventy

Follow-Up Article: “Seniors and the Steering Wheel: What the Numbers Really Say”

By Suddenly Seventy

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Think older adults aren’t in the driver’s seat when it comes to car buying?  Buckle up, the data says otherwise.

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🔹 Who’s Buying:
Consumers aged 55+ now account for over 60% of all new car purchases in the U.S. That’s not a typo. Boomers aren’t just shopping, they’re buying.

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🔹 What They’re Buying:
Top choices include mid-size SUVs, sedans, and increasingly, hybrids and EVs, provided they don’t feel like a spaceship inside. Older drivers prioritize visibility, comfort, easy controls, and reliability over flashy tech or sports-car vibes.

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🔹 Average Spend:
The average price tag? Around $42,000–$48,000, but many older buyers pay cash or make large down payments to reduce loan terms. Debt is not a lifestyle.

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🔹 Financing Behavior:
Over 50% of buyers aged 65+ pay in full or finance for less than 36 months. Compare that to younger buyers, many of whom stretch out car loans for 72–84 months. Seniors want simplicity, not a second mortgage on wheels.

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🔹 How Long They Keep It:
Older drivers keep their cars for an average of 7–10 years, often until they stop driving altogether. That makes durability and low maintenance high priorities.

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🔹 What Matters Most:
They care deeply about:

• Ease of entry/exit

• Clear dashboards

• Backup cameras they can see in the sun

• Supportive seats (for those sciatica days)

• A place to put a purse (it’s 2025, folks, figure it out)

💡 Takeaway for automakers and dealerships:
Older drivers are not only still driving, they’re making financially savvy, loyalty-driven, comfort-based purchases. If you’re not designing for them, you’re steering into a dead-end.