What is the safest cheap car?

[la2or]

Like front and side airbags and good crumple or whatever it is.

like performance,acceleration, fuel economy are not important in considering this question.

[Dave_au]

For large cars, everyone will probably suggest a BA Mk2.

If you want AWD, some second hand Magna TW VRX AWDs have been fetching about $15-$16k at auction with only 40-60000 on the odo.

Side airbags, drivers airbags, 159kw 3.5L

[new2ford]

For primary (active) safety (which I think is most important) check the Wheels magazine WASP tests, or the NHTSA in the US (many cars there not available in Australia however). The Australian govt won't provide consumer guidance on primary safety - preferring to leave it to you to find out when you have to take emergency action on a bend.

For secondary (passive) safety see: http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/index.php

Bear in mind that a smaller car will likely come off second best in a collision with a vehicle of greater mass, regardless of safety ratings.

[Disciple]

Originally Posted by new2ford

For primary (active) safety (which I think is most important) check the Wheels magazine WASP tests, or the NHTSA in the US (many cars there not available in Australia however). The Australian govt won't provide consumer guidance on primary safety - preferring to leave it to you to find out when you have to take emergency action on a bend.

For secondary (passive) safety see: http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/index.php

Bear in mind that a smaller car will likely come off second best in a collision with a vehicle of greater mass, regardless of safety ratings.

That's rubbish. Watch the ep of Fifth Gear when they crashed a Renault Megane into an old Volvo Estate. Volvo got smashed.

[Ives]

Originally Posted by la2or

Like front and side airbags and good crumple or whatever it is.

like performance,acceleration, fuel economy are not important in considering this question.

Toyota Yaris.

[kocho]

Thats what first came to mind for me too Ives.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by Disciple

That's rubbish. Watch the ep of Fifth Gear when they crashed a Renault Megane into an old Volvo Estate. Volvo got smashed.

I said "will likely" - you can't generalise over a whole range of vehicles. Also a newer vehicle will have higher safety attributes than an older one.

[asusdragon]

i just bought the missus a 2000 VW passet and that same weekend it got rated as the one of the top safest used cars we paid $16000 for it
i not sure how much you have to spend thouhg maybe give us your top price and we could list a few more cars for you

[MAGPIE]

Megane
Polo
Focus
Feista
Mazda 3
Echo/Yaris
Legacy/Liberty

To name a few

Do some research :
www.ancap.com.au/

[Fairlane]

Volvo 760

How old and how cheap is the question, something like a modern Citroen C5 will do the job amicabley. But if you are talking say under 8k, i rekon the old Volvo 700/800s- They invented side airbags. If are looking old skool you cant go pass an S Class Merc. They're are a lot of safe, just about anything European.

Even an upper model Aussie car like a Verada or Avalon from say 2000, if a pretty safe jugger for under 10k.

If you looking at new cars, just read ANCAP

[zetec]

Focus CL is 5 stars when fitted with the safety pack, including side curtain airbags, ABS, Stability Control and Emergency Brake Assist.

We really need a budget to work with here...!

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Fairlane

Volvo 760

How old and how cheap is the question, something like a modern Citroen C5 will do the job amicabley. But if you are talking say under 8k, i rekon the old Volvo 700/800s- They invented side airbags. If are looking old skool you cant go pass an S Class Merc. They're are a lot of safe, just about anything European.

Even an upper model Aussie car like a Verada or Avalon from say 2000, if a pretty safe jugger for under 10k.

If you looking at new cars, just read ANCAP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ygYUYia9I

[BrisVegas]

another vote for the Focus with curtain airbags. 5 star rated, very good handling and balance. Unlike some small cars, it's got a bit of size to it so you don't feel like the door skins are hard up against your rib cage.

[apolloxbgt]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ygYUYia9I

That is an awesome looking crash!

[The Monty]

Four4 smart car, you tube it, nothing will destroy it (figuratively speaking).

[atec77]

Originally Posted by la2or

Like front and side airbags and good crumple or whatever it is.

like performance,acceleration, fuel economy are not important in considering this question.

Toyota in a small car and larger the Ba

[mitch_lx]

Suzuki Swift

18,790 driveaway, ABS brakes standard, dual airbags, full power pack, leather wheel. 3 year roadside assist. currently with a Suzuki 5 year 130,000 warranty.

four star euro safety out of the box in a small car.

S swift adds alloys, fog lights, Side airbags and full length curtain airbags for 20,890 driveaway including ALL on roads.

Add 2 grand for automatic.