[Jan Fisher]

Thinking about buying a second-hand car? Monash has you covered

Monash University has released its annual used car safety rating list and this year it has drawn on more data to ensure a safer ride.

The annual ratings are based on Monash University Accident Research Centre’s statistical analysis of more than 9 million vehicles involved in police-reported crashes and 2.5 million injured road users in Australia and New Zealand between 1987-2021.

In 2023, the ratings were expanded to focus on not only how a vehicle protects the driver, but also its impact on other road users in a crash and its crash avoidance technology.

Not surprisingly, the uni found the later the model, the safer it is.

The average risk of being killed or seriously injured across all road users involved in a crash with a vehicle manufactured in 2021 is 33 per cent lower than for a vehicle manufactured in 2001.

For the full list, visit here.

[Couldabeen]

There is much more to buying a second hand car than the safety rating. Many of those that have rated poorly are actually rubbish cars. One’s that never had quality from new, let alone safety.
Some of the exotic (European) brands can become expensive money pits as they age and it is best to admire their often unique features and walk away leaving them for those with deep pockets and a sense of masochism.
After you have narrowed your choices to what seems attractive (and safeish) make sure that you are comfortable and competent driving it and have a mechanic or enthusiast who knows the brand have a good objective view of the vehicle.
Don’t be swayed by anyone telling you that the future is all electric and you should leave an old technology internal combustion engine powered vehicle behind. The petrol and diesel vehicles will be supported for several decades to come and far better value than any of the EVs that are coming onto the market at comparable prices.

[Author]

Posts