The most preferred second-hand cars in Australia

Safety is often a high priority when purchasing a used car. Fortunately, numerous safe and budget-friendly used vehicles are available across a range of budgets. 

To simplify your search, the Used Car Safety Ratings offer valuable insights into the safety performance of different used vehicle models. Vehicles are ranked using a star rating scale from 1 to 5, making it easy to identify safe second-hand car options. 

The ratings’ analysed 389 used car models for the 2022 Used Car Safety Ratings. Of these, 55 models received a 5-star rating, with 13 of these also gaining the 'Safer Pick' status, indicating their exceptional safety standards.

We’ve gathered the makes and models that garnered both a 5-star safety rating and the ‘Safer Pick’ status in the 2022 ratings and grouped them by car size. Check them out below:

Small cars

• Audi A3 / RS3 / S3 (2013-2020)
• BMW 1 Series (2011-2019)
• Honda Civic (2016-2020)
• Subaru Impreza / XV (2016-2020)
• Volkswagen Golf (VII) (2013-2020)
• Toyota Prius V (2012-2020)

Medium cars

• Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 / AllRoad B8 (2008-2015)
• Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 (2007-2016)
• Subaru Liberty / Legacy / Outback / Exiga (2009-2014)
• Toyota Camry (2017-2020)

Medium and large SUVs

• AUDI Q5 / SQ5 (2009-2016)
• Nissan Pathfinder (2013-2020)

Visit Monash.edu for the full list of Used Car Safety Ratings for 2022

The Monash University Accident Research Centre recommends buyers prioritise vehicles with a 5-star Driver Protection rating and the 'Safer Pick' marker for maximum safety. The research suggests these vehicles provide excellent protection for the driver and reduce the risk of serious injuries to other drivers and pedestrians if an accident does occur. 

Additionally, a newer model will likely offer enhanced safety features compared to older ones. According to the research, vehicles manufactured in 2020 have nearly 50% lower risk of death or serious injury for drivers in crashes than those manufactured in 2000. This is due to advanced safety features in the newer models, such as front and side airbags, electronic stability control and other active safety aids.

Another option for reviewing the safety of a vehicle you’re considering buying is reviewing the ANCAP Safety website, where you’ll find comprehensive safety rating information. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is the gold standard of safety ratings for cars in Australia, especially new or near-new cars that may not have made it onto the Used Car Safety Ratings yet. It’s a reliable car safety assessment programme based in Australia that crash-tests cars and awards them ratings between 1 and 5 stars. You could use these ratings to determine the level of safety vehicles provide - the higher the rating, the safer the car. 

While a car's safety is a high priority and often a non-negotiable, other factors may matter to you in a car, including size, comfort, and price. When purchasing a used vehicle, there are additional considerations, such as whether to purchase from a dealership or private sale, checking the history and overall condition of the car, and ensuring it complies with all necessary regulations and checks.

Type of car

It's important to consider the type of car you wish to buy when searching for a used vehicle. You'll have options like manual or automatic transmission, and there will often be more availability of one over the other. Also, with Australia’s growing green car market, you can choose between conventional or petrol, electric or hybrid cars. Assessing your preferences in these areas will help you narrow your options and find a second-hand car that best suits your driving needs.

Size and comfort

You’ll need to consider many factors when deciding which size car is right for your needs. Start by considering your passenger and cargo needs. Do you mostly drive alone or with a few passengers? Are you looking for a compact car that suits city commuting or a larger, family-friendly vehicle with plenty of seats and ample cargo capacity? Don’t forget to review features inside the car, such as adjustable seats and advanced technology, to ensure comfort and convenience during any and all drives.

Price and budget

Keeping a practical budget in mind when searching for a used car can help you narrow down your options. Consider the upfront cost or the cost of the loan if that’s how you choose to finance the car. You also need to consider other ongoing expenses, such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, and registration fees. Sticking to your budget will help you make a decision that won’t also put pressure on your finances when you make the purchase and in the future.

Dealership vs. private sale

When buying a used car, you have two options: purchasing from a dealership or going through a private sale. Dealerships offer a broader selection of used cars and often conduct multiple vehicle inspections before selling the cars. Some may even provide warranties, reducing your risk of walking away with a faulty vehicle. 

However, buying from a dealer is usually more expensive because they insert a profit margin on the price. Purchasing from a private seller may be more budget-friendly. Still, it may require extra caution to ensure the car's condition and history are up-to-date, accurate and worth the price. Weighing the pros and cons of each option can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget. 

Irrespective of the method you choose, it’s best that you do a thorough inspection of the car’s condition and history and also get a local mechanic to have a look if you can. Look for signs of wear and tear, potential mechanical problems, and any evidence of past accidents or damage. 

When buying from a private seller, be extra cautious and conduct a thorough background check. Consider looking up the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to confirm the vehicle is free of debt and has not been previously written off or stolen. It would also help to obtain a vehicle history report to gain insight into its previous ownership, maintenance records, and potential red flags.

If you don’t have the cash or savings to pay for your used car upfront, you may consider applying for a used car loan to finance your purchase. A used car loan allows you to buy a pre-owned vehicle and pay it off over time. These loans will typically be for 1 to 5 years, meaning you can budget for paying this off over time rather than trying to find the money upfront.

You will need to check the details of used car loans as they often include stipulations such as the minimum and maximum age of the vehicle. The minimum age is used to stipulate what is considered a used car. The maximum age, usually around 10 to 15 years, ensures the car is still functional throughout the loan. It's important to note that if you're looking at taking out a longer-term loan, such as a five-year car loan, some lenders may reject your application if the car you're interested in is already approaching the lender's age limit. The age of your car at the end of the loan term is a significant factor most lenders will consider when assessing your loan application, so it’s best to be aware of this.

Apart from the considerations around the loan term, it's crucial to compare other features of the loan, like the interest rate, fees, and whether you need a secured or unsecured loan. And if the car you’re looking at sits outside the age limits, you can also consider other ways of financing your purchase.

RateCity's comparison tables help you filter and compare loan deals based on your needs and goals, allowing you to find a car loan that suits your requirements and view them side by side for easy comparison. You can also use RateCity's car loan repayment calculator to estimate your monthly repayments based on your preferred loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Doing this can help you determine the total cost of the loan and whether you can afford the monthly payments for your chosen loan size to avoid any financial strain.