Used Car Safety Ratings released today show the wide gap between a safe second-hand vehicle and a poor performer in a crash.
The NSW Government is urging used car buyers - particularly young people and their parents looking for a first car - to use the guide to buy a car that protects most for a particular price point.
The annual guide shows a driver of the lowest rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a driver in the safest vehicle.
Footage released today by the NSW Government shows the dramatic difference in outcomes when a 2012 Great Wall V200 and a 2012 Holden Colorado were crashed head on.
The one star-rated Great Wall is decimated in the crash, putting driver and passenger at risk of serious injury while the four-star Colorado provided significantly better safety protection.
The 2024 Used Car Safety guide rates 404 vehicles manufactured since 2000. Of those, 110 earned an "excellent" five-star rating - four more than in 2023 and 55 more than in 2022.
The best of the five-star vehicles are marked as a 'Safer Pick', with 60 per cent of those vehicles available to purchase second hand for less than $10,000.
Safer picks include:
Mazda 3 (2013 - 2019)
Toyota Camry (2011 - 2022)
Volkswagen Touareg (2011 - 2019)
Cars that received a very poor one-star rating include:
Ford Fiesta (2004 - 2008)
Hyundai Accent (2000 - 2006)
Toyota Camry (1997- 2002)
Holden Commodore VT/VX (1997 - 2002)
The vast majority of the vehicles given a 'Safer Pick' rating were manufactured from 2008 onwards, demonstrating the benefits of more advanced safety equipment and design improvements like electronic stability control and advanced occupant protection systems.
The ratings, which are in their 32nd year, were produced by Monash University in partnership with Transport for NSW and other transport agencies around Australia and New Zealand to help motorists choose the safest used car that fits their budget, needs, and lifestyle.
The guide is available at https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-10/ucsr-brochure-2024.pdf
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
"The hunt for a second-hand car has generally focused on a car that will not break down. No one wants to buy a lemon.
"What is just as important is considering which used car delivers the safest performance for your budget. Your choice might literally save your life.
"The Used Car Safety Ratings guide provide simple, reliable safety information at no cost into the hands of vehicle buyers.
"I urge parents of young people who may be looking for a first car to consider safety above all else and if you can buy a vehicle that is the safest in its category or price point, do so.
"A driver behind the wheel of the lowest-rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to a driver in the safest vehicle. The choice is that clear."
"With more than 60 per cent of the best-rated cars available for $10,000 or less, you don't have to pick the most expensive car on the market to make a safer choice.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"For drivers in regional NSW, distances of travel are longer and many people use older vehicles, so choosing a vehicle with a high safety rating increases your chances of surviving a crash.
"The 2024 Used Car Safety Ratings guide helps regional drivers find the safest options, ensuring they are well-protected no matter where their journey takes them.
"Cost of living, particularly in regional areas, is an important issue for the Government and that is why we are encouraging everyone considering purchasing a second-hand car to use this guide to ensure they choose a safe vehicle."
