Used cars, which ones to choose?
Looking for a safe used car? Think German. The 2007 Used Car Safety Rating suggests that German-made vehicles are among the top choices.
The Volkswagen Golf and Bora, the German Astra TS Holden and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class received good marks for protecting occupants and the safety of other road users.
With improvements in occupant safety combined with reduced risk to other road users, smaller cars have replaced large family cars as the trash choice.
In previous years, the BMW 3 Series, as well as the Holden Commodores and Ford Falcon family cars, were the stars.
This year, the researchers singled out Golf, Bora, Astra TS, C-Class, Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord.
Ratings show that if you make the wrong choice of a used car, you could be 26 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident.
A study conducted by Monash University in conjunction with RACV, TAC and VicRoads reveals a staggering difference between used cars.
As the safety of new cars has increased, the gap between the safest cars on the road and the most dangerous has widened.
The latest figures show that the Daihatsu Hi-Jet, produced from 1982-1990, is 26 times more likely to leave passengers dead or seriously injured than the Volkswagen Passat, produced from 1998-2005.
Two criteria were used: impact resistance, that is, the ability of the car to ensure the safety of passengers; and aggressiveness, which is the likelihood of injury or death to unprotected road users.
TAC senior traffic safety manager David Healy says ratings will play a critical role in reducing road damage.
“It will make a huge difference,” Healy says. “We know that by producing safer vehicles, we can reduce road losses by a third.”
“This is another piece of the puzzle that falls into place. We now have reliable information on 279 used models in the Australian market.”
“This means we have real-world data to tell the consumer which car to buy, which is safer in a crash, and also safer for other road users involved in the crash.”
Of the 279 models covered by the study, 48 were rated as "significantly below average" in terms of impact resistance. Another 29 were rated "worse than average".
On the other hand, 38 models performed "significantly better than average." Another 48 were rated "better than average".
This means that many safe models are available. You just need to choose the right one.
Ross MacArthur, Chairman of the Australian New Car Assessment Program: “This is important information for me.
“People need to know that choosing a car that meets minimum standards is not enough. You must be more careful."
Buying a used car is often associated with budgetary considerations, but this should not rule out safety.
MacArthur says the study highlights available models, and the consumer should arm themselves with that knowledge.
"You can get safe cars that are cheaper and more expensive cars that aren't as good," MacArthur says. “The main thing is to be selective. Look around. Don't decide on the first vehicle you see."
And don't always trust used car dealers.
“You must be properly informed. If you are informed, you are in a much better position to make a decision.”
Small cars, like the well-performing 1994-2001 Peugeot 306 model, start at $7000.
Family cars like the Holden Commodore VT-VX and Ford Falcon AU also score well and start at reasonable prices.
The study clearly shows advances in car safety, with newer models getting better.
For example, the Holden Commodore VN-VP series received a "worse than average" impact rating; the later VT-VZ range was rated "significantly better than average".
With stricter safety standards and improved crash test scores, McArthur is looking forward to a time when all vehicles are as safe as possible.
Until then, used car safety ratings are an important tool to protect drivers.
“Hopefully we get to the point where every car is five-star,” MacArthur says.
“But as a general rule, the newer the machine, the better it performs.”
"But that's not always the case, which is why you need to look at used car safety ratings."
hit list
How cars performed on both criteria - impact resistance (protection of passengers) and aggressiveness (risk to pedestrians).
Top performers
Volkswagen Golf (1999-2004, bottom)
Volkswagen Passat (1999-05)
Holden Astra TS (1998-05)
Toyota Corolla (1998-01)
Honda Accord (1991-93)
Mercedes C-class (1995-00)
Peugeot 405 (1989-97)
Worst Performers
Mitsubishi Cordia (1983-87)
Ford Falkon HE / HF (1982-88)
Mitsubishi Starvagon / Delika (1983-93 / 1987-93)
Toyota Tarago (1983-89)
Toyota Hyas / Liteis (1982-95)
Crash Course in Vehicle Safety
small cars
Top performers
Volkswagen Golf (1994-2004)
Volkswagen Bora (1999-04)
Peugeot 306 (1994-01)
Toyota Corolla (1998-01)
Holden Astra TS (1998-05, below)
Worst Performers
Volkswagen Golf (1982-94)
Toyota MP2 (1987-90)
Mitsubishi Cordia (1983-87)
Nissan Gazelle/Sylvia (1984-86)
Nissan Exa (1983-86)
Medium cars
Top performers
BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-04)
BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-03)
Ford Mondeo (1995-01)
Holden Vektra (1997-03)
Peugeot 406 (1996-04)
Worst Performers
Nissan Blueberry (1982-86)
Mitsubishi Starion (1982-87)
Holden Kamira (1982-89)
Déu Houp (1995-97)
Toyota Crown (1982-88)
big cars
Top performers
Ford Falcon AS (1998-02)
Ford Falcon BA / BF (2002-05)
Holden Commodor VT / VX (1997-02)
Holden Kommodor VY / VZ (2002-05)
Toyota Camry (2002-05)
Worst Performers
Mazda 929 / World (1982-90)
Holden Kommodor VN / VP (1989-93)
Toyota Lexen (1989-93)
Holden Commodore VB-VL (1982-88)
Mitsubishi Magna TM / TN / TP / Sigma / V3000 (1985-90, below)
People movers
Top performers
Kia Carnival (1999-05)
Mazda minivan (1994-99)
Worst Performers
Toyota Tarago (1983-89)
Mitsubisi Starvagon / L300 (1983-86)
light vehicles
Top performers
Daewoo Heaven (1995-97)
Daihatsu Sirion (1998-04)
Holden Barina XC (2001-05)
Worst Performers
Daewoo Colossus (2003-04)
Hyundai Getz (2002-05)
Suzuki Alto (1985-00)
Compact four-wheel drive vehicles
Top performers
Honda KR-V (1997-01)
Subaru Forester (2002-05)
Worst Performers
Holden Drover/Suzuki Sierra (1982-99)
Daihatsu Rocky / Ragger (1985-98)
Big 4 wheels
Top performers
Ford Explorer (2001-05)
Nissan Patrol / Safari (1998/04)
Worst Performers
Nissan Patrol (1982-87)
Toyota Landcruiser (1982-89)
