Buying a safe used car
Buying a used car can be daunting; there are a multitude of makes, models and trim levels to choose from, and many of us have our eyes peeled for the best deal rather than the safest car.
The good news is ‘modern’ safety features aren't exclusive to brand new cars, and as time passes, technologies that used to be considered cutting-edge – such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electronic stability control (ESC) and even additional air bags – become more widely available in used cars.
With the right attitude and knowhow, a used-car purchase can give buyers just as much transparency and assurance about safety as those opting for brand new models.
What to look out for in used-car safety
Regardless of the era in which your used car was built, research says safety features are a good thing: the more, the better.
This is backed by a study undertaken by Monash University Accident Research Centre, in partnership with the NSW Centre for Road Safety, the NRMA and other members of the Vehicle Safety Research Group, which looked at crash data from more than 7.5-million real-world incidents, spanning 389 car models manufactured from 1982 to 2015 (with 278 of them being built between 1996 to 2014).
While the study is nearly a decade old, its findings are still relevant today, revealing that vehicles fitted with modern safety tech were demonstrably safer than those without.
The crash data is so clear, in fact, that it found a ute fitted with ESC is a third less likely to be involved in a run-off-road crash than a vehicle not equipped with the tech. Overall, it also found a driver of the worst vehicle rated was 10 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than a driver in the safest vehicle listed.
How can I tell if a used car is safe?
Assessing a new car for safety is quite straightforward – given the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) comprehensively crashes, tests and scores many new models – however these scores are generally only valid for six years, and a car that scored a perfect five stars years ago may not today with updated, more stringent testing criteria. The easiest way to see how a used car stacks up in an apples and apples sense is with something like the NSW Government’s Used Car Safety Rating brochure, which can be found here.
What are some other tips for a safe pick?
While you can learn a lot about the safety of a used car model from a specification sheet or safety score, there are a few things that are a little more unique to each vehicle you inspect. Keep an eye out for the following to kick you and your passengers’ safety up another notch.
Buy a white car
When evaluating car colour and crash risk, statistically, white is the safest colour, because it’s easier to see than any other colour at night, during the day and in overcast conditions.
Ensure the tyres are of good quality with plenty of tread
How do you pick a good tyre? The answer is to choose a known brand. You’re far safer in the wet with plenty of tread on your tyres so avoid wearing them down all the way to the minimum tread depth indicators.
Make sure your purchase is mechanically sound
Get a vehicle inspection for peace of mind before purchasing. If you buy a used car, have it checked over for safety and reliability, and ensure you meet regular maintenance requirements.
A 40-point safety check should be the first step in any car service. To give you a complete picture of your car’s safety status, the checks include:
- Tyre tread and pressure
- Battery and charging system report
- Exhaust and fan belt
- Coolant and transmission fluid check and top-up
- Lights, windscreen and wipers
- Brakes and steering
- Suspension and driveline
- Road test, which includes checking the transmission, engine, differential, clutch and body report
