Second-hand car buyers now have the latest available information on used car safety ratings with the 2014 guide released today.
The 22nd annual Used Car Safety Rating guide covers 227 of the most popoular vehicle models manufactured between 1982 and 2012, with more than half scoring an Excellentor Good rating for driver protection in a crash.
Road Safety Minister Tony Piccolo said at the other end of the scale, 76 models were in the Poor or Very Poor category. “Vehicles in these categories cannot be recommended,” he said.
“These ratings provide independent advice on which used vehicle models provide better protection in a crash, not only for occupants, but for all road users.”
“We often put a lot of thought into the make and colour when choosing our next car but safety should really be a critical factor,” Mr Piccolo added.
RAA Senior Manager Mobility and Automotive Policy Mark Borlace said that the ratings are based on reports from over seven million actual crashes reported to police in Australia and New Zealand.
“The very best vehicles are awarded the ‘Safe Pick’ rating, meaning the vehicle not only protects drivers in crashes, but also minimises injuries to other road users including pedestrians and cyclists.
“One-in-seven (15%) vehicles earned the coveted Safe Pick rating in this year’s guide.
“Some of the more affordable top rating Safe Pick vehicles include the Honda Civic, built between 2006 and 2011, and the Toyota Camry 2006-11.
“The guide provides young drivers, and their parents, with plenty of choices when it comes to purchasing their first car.
“A large number of top rating vehicles are available on the second-hand market for under $10,000, so safety doesn’t have to be compromised by price,” he said.
The Vehicle Safety Research Group, which commissioned the research, is comprised of the major motoring clubs and state motoring authorities in Australia and New Zealand.
To download the Used Car Safety Ratings 2014 brochure.
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