Half of the 227 second-hand vehicles listed in the 2014 Used Car Safety Ratings guide scored an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ rating for driver protection in a crash, meaning there are more safe vehicles for used car buyers to choose from than ever before.
The 22nd annual Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) guide, released today, provides used-car buyers with an important reference when choosing their next vehicle.
Road safety minister Tony Piccolo says the new guide, which covers 227 of the most popular vehicle models manufactured between 1982 and 2012, provides a safety rating to indicate the level of protection drivers can expect in the event of a crash.
The South Australian-produced Holden Cruze, Statesman, Caprice and VE Commodore ute rate ‘excellent’ across the categories of small, large and commercial ute categories.
“A record 51% of the second-hand vehicles listed in the 2014 UCSR guide scored an ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ rating for driver protection in a crash. At the other end of the scale, 76 models were in the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ category. Vehicles in these categories cannot be recommended,” Piccolo says.
The 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,” Piccolo adds.
RAA senior manager mobility and automotive policy, Mark Borlace, says 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 (pictured), built between 2006 and 2011, and the Toyota Camry 2006-2011.
The guide also 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,” Borlace notes.
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.
For more information and FAQ on the UCSR Guide click here
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