10 Great Cars for Retirees Both Rich and Poor — and 5 To Avoid

Reaching retirement age often means rewarding yourself for the hard work and sacrifices you made during the previous four or five decades. For some seniors, one of those rewards is getting a new set of wheels. If you have plenty of money, maybe you'll splurge on a favorite sports car or luxury sedan. If money's tight, you'll probably opt for something affordable.

Check Out: 9 Cars To Stay Away From In Retirement

Read Next: 7 Reasons You Must Speak To a Financial Advisor Before Spending $10,000 or More

Or, you could split the difference and find a car that checks a bunch of different boxes. A number of cars are suitable for all retirees, across different income brackets. At the same time, some cars are not a great fit, no matter how much money you have.

When you're younger, you might value power, style or size in a vehicle. But most retirees need one that is economical, not too big, and easy to drive and maintain. This rules out most trucks, SUVs, sports cars and full-size sedans.

Compact and mid-sized cars with good gas mileage work best for retirees. For those who prefer a greener experience -- and have convenient access to charging stations -- compact electric vehicles might also work well.

"The key for retirees is to prioritize reliability, fuel economy, and affordable maintenance above all else," John Lin, an experienced mechanic and owner of Pennsylvania'sJB Motor Works, told GOBankingRates in a recent interview. "Stick to brands with great track records and you'll keep more of that pension in your pocket."

Here's a look at 10 great cars for retirees both rich and poor -- along with five you'll want to avoid.