Is it time to downsize your car?

Opting for a smaller car can feel like a big decision. Here are some things to think about.

A smaller vehicle may be a better fit for your mobility needs, lifestyle and budget as you enter your later years. But how do you make the right choice? We look at the factors to consider before you make a decision.

How much car space do you really need?

If the bulk of your journeys are for you and one passenger, you may find you can live without acres of rear legroom or a huge boot. You can probably use a smaller motor for your day-to-day routes.

If there are occasions when you need a bit more room – a holiday with the grandkids, say, or a lengthy road trip – it could work out cheaper to hire a bigger car for that period than run one all the time.

A small car could be more cost efficient

While there are many factors to consider when it comes to costs, overall smaller cars can be cheaper to run day to day. If price is a deciding factor, then you might want to think about these key benefits:  

• Improved fuel efficiency: Smaller engines typically consume less fuel, which also contributes less environmental pollution [1]
• Lower maintenance costs: Smaller cars generally have lower maintenance and repair costs compared to larger vehicles
• Reduced insurance premiums: Insurance rates tend to be lower for smaller, less expensive cars
• Lower taxes and registration fees: Depending on your vehicle’s location and model, smaller cars may be subject to lower taxes and registration fees [2]

Small cars with impressive interiors

Size was a key consideration for Nan Ingram from Somerset when she changed her Toyota Corolla estate for a bright yellow Ford Ka+.

“I wanted a car that would fit in my garage without the wing mirrors folded,” she explains. “I also wanted a yellow car so it would be easy to spot in car parks. The Ka+ ticked both boxes and was plenty big enough for my needs.”

Car makers have created a wealth of models that combine modest external proportions and low ownership costs with spacious interiors. 

The following top-rated cars are great examples of vehicles offering a combination of space and low running costs [3 & 4]. Many of these cars come highly recommended for people in later life:

• Ford Fiesta
• Volkswagen Up
• SEAT Ibiza
• Kia Soul

Fuel or electric car: what to consider before you choose 

Another factor Nan considered when changing her Toyota was fuel type. “It was the first time electric was really an option for me and my son encouraged me to consider it,” she says. “If I’d been 10 years younger, I’d have made the switch. But I didn’t feel I could easily adjust to the new technology, so I chose petrol in the end.”

While Nan stuck with what she knew, it’s worth weighing up your options when it comes to electric vehicles and access to charging points. If you tend to drive shorter distances and are looking at finance rather than buying outright, thereby maximising your spending power, an all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric car could be worth considering.

Whatever fuel you choose, remember that the newer and greener your car, the less likely you are to fall foul of emissions charges – worth bearing in mind if you drive in busy urban areas.

Take a test drive

While online car buying is convenient, nothing beats experiencing a vehicle first-hand on a test drive. 

Carefully consider your priorities and preferences to find a car and insurance deal that matches your needs, lifestyle and budget. In the current market, you won’t be short of options.

Summary: benefits of downsizing your car

Looking to downsize your car? If you’re thinking about switching to a smaller vehicle, here are some key benefits to consider:

Easier to manoeuvre: Smaller cars are often easier to park, navigate in tight spaces and handle in urban areas.

Better visibility: Smaller cars often offer better visibility due to their compact size and lower driving position.

Cost-effective: Smaller cars tend to have lower running costs than their larger counterparts.

Plenty of options: Manual, automatic, petrol or electric, there are plenty of makes and models out there – including some covered by the Motability scheme.  

[1]Green Car Guide: Car Size & Environmental Impact

[2]Car Tax Calculator: How much is my car tax?

[3]The Car Expert: Top-rated small cars 

[4]Zuto: Most popular cars by demographic