Safe Affordable First Cars
September 24th, 2010 Filed under: Affordable Used Cars — Car Author
Last month, the Victorian Government revealed its list of the safest and most affordable used cars for young drivers. This list, compiled with data from Monash University, puts the Ford Focus and the Holden Astra TR as some of the most affordable and safest vehicles to buy on the used car market.
According to the Victorian government, young drivers are overrepresented in motor vehicle accident statistics. As a result, its Arrive Alive initiative aims to educate young car operators on safe driving practice and smart car purchasing decisions such as with the First Car List. "Australian research estimates that if all young drivers killed or seriously injured in crashes over the past five years had been driving the safest vehicle of the same age as the one they were driving when they crashed, more than 500 young deaths and serious injuries could have been prevented each year," it says.
How the list was compiled
The First Car List utilises the traditional Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR), which scores used vehicles based on data compiled from real life crash records. This five star rating system ranks a vehicle according to its ability to protect a driver in a crash. They have been developed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, and are based on the analysis of actual records of more than three million crashes on Australian roads. High ranking cars, with a 4 or 5 star rating, are more likely to protect the driver in the case of an accident.
The list includes used vehicles that have a 4 or 5 UCSR safety rating and are listed within the $2,000 - $14,000 price range as determined by the Redbook Guide for used car pricing.
Affordable and Safe Small Cars
Ford Focus LS/LT ('05-'07) - priced at a modest $11,400 the Ford Focus came out on top of the small car list. With a UCSR ranking of 5, this hatchback has become a popular option for urban drivers and young families. These models make great first car purchases for their reliability, versatility and price. Third on the First Car List are the earlier Ford Focus LR '02-'05 models priced at just $6,600.
Holden Astra TR ('96-'98) - if you're looking value for money, you can't do much better than these Astras. Starting at just $3,200, these oldies but goodies are holding up where it counts, with a 4 star UCSR rating on these 12 to 14 year old models. Keep an eye out for one at your nearby Holden Dealer.
Affordable and Safe Medium and Large Vehicles
Mazda 6 ('02-'07) - when it comes to the safest medium sized vehicles, the Mazda 6 stacks up nicely with a 5 star UCSR rating. In addition to protecting the driver during a crash, the Mazda 6 is also noted for being less likely to harm other road users, such as drivers and passengers in another vehicle. Starting at under $10,000, the Mazda 6 is an affordable and popular mid-sized car, having sold more than 1 million models worldwide.
Holden Statesman ('99-'03) - if you're looking to make a big impression (at a fraction of the price) you can't go wrong with a Holden Statesman. These large sized luxury vehicles have been an Australian staple since 1990. Along with the Holden Caprice, its more recent models have achieved a 5 star UCSR safety rating and are priced staring at a modest $6,700. A Holden Dealer in Sydney, Melbourne or any other of the Australian capital cities may have the perfect one in stock for your first car purchase.
A Holden Dealer in Sydney, Melbourne or any other of the Australian capital cities may have the perfect one in stock for your first car purchase.
2 Responses to “Safe Affordable First Cars”
By Liquid Vitamin : on Oct 30, 2010 | Reply
used cars are always a bargain coz they cause very little compared to brand new cars ..
By Virginia Lake on May 2, 2011 | Reply
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