Safety Ratings: What to Look for in a Used Car 

There is nothing more important than safety when it comes to driving. This is particularly important when it comes to the purchase of used cars, as you must make sure that the vehicle you choose is safe to drive and road-worthy. One of the best ways to ensure this is to opt for a car with a good safety rating. This post will tell you all you need to know to make an informed decision. 

Understanding Safety Ratings for Used Cars

First, you need to understand what safety ratings are when shopping for used cars. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) determines reliability ratings based on crash tests and evaluations of key safety features. The ratings are from one to five (five being the highest), and they cover multiple categories, including adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assistance (safety technologies). Keep in mind that while newer cars have the latest tech, used cars can still offer strong (and sometimes better) protection.

Top Five Safety Used Cars in the UK

The good news is that there are many excellent used cars with strong Euro NCAP scores and notable safety features. These include:

Volvo V40: Achieved a 100% safety rating in 2012, which reflects Volvo’s strong commitment to safety.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: With a five-star rating and a range of impressive safety technologies, the E-Class is one of the safest vehicles on the roads. 

Audi Q5: The Q5 from Audi blends sleek styling, a luxury interior, and a five-star crash rating with an impressive adult occupant score of 93%.

BMW 5 Series: A popular family car with a five-star rating, advanced safety technologies, and comfortable interior.

Volkswagen Golf: The VW Golf is one of the most popular vehicles in the UK, partly due to its five-star rating, strong safety features, and availability in the used car market. 

Recent Developments in Vehicle Safety Technology

There have been impressive developments in vehicle safety technology in recent times, and many of these technologies are available in used cars. Features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, and driver drowsiness detection can significantly enhance safety and reduce the impact of accidents. In addition to enhancing safety, many of these technologies can help lower insurance premiums. 

Evaluating Safety Features When Purchasing a Used Car

Before purchasing a used car, you should always look up the Euro NCAP rating and what technologies the vehicle comes with. You should then test these technologies during the inspection and test drive to ensure they are functional. It is also smart to hire a mechanic to assess the vehicle before finalising the purchase to detect any hidden issues.

Safety must always be a top priority when it comes to purchasing a used car. The information in this post should help you know how to find a safe and reliable vehicle when shopping in the second-hand marketplace.