It’s a little-known fact that you can get a safe used sedan for under $15,000. The top ten such cars have recently been listed by compiling data from Edmunds.com and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The list itself is posted on About.com.
The safety of cars is determined by several factors. First are high-speed front- and side-crash tests. Second is an analysis of the car’s Electronic Stability Control. This system has been shown to significantly reduce crashes because it helps the driver keep control of the car during difficult maneuvers that may precede a crash.
One important factor to keep in mind is that larger, heavier cars are, as a rule, safer than smaller and lighter cars. A small car that gets a good safety rating has been compared to other cars in its class, and it may not be as safe as a larger car that did not receive a safety distinction.
Another consideration is that although the cars on this Safest Used list may be had for under $15,000, this does not necessarily mean you can find the one you want certified pre-owned at such a low price. Whether or not you can depends on the specific model you choose, as well as your geographic location.
In any case, at the top of the list of safest used family cars sits the 2005 2.5i Special Edition Subaru Legacy with all-wheel drive. Although most agree it’s not the best-looking car, it has enough space for a family of four plus gear, and its high-ranking safety features add to its desirability.
Second is the 2007 2.0T Saab 9-3. Most agree its powerful engine makes it fun to drive, although you won’t fit more than a family of four inside it. They’re likely to stay safe, though, in this well-engineered model.
Rounding out the top three safest used family cars is the 2007 EX Trim Kia Sedona EXT minivan. This model will solve the space problem presented by the Saab, if you have more than two kids. Be sure to search for the EXT model rather than the standard, as the latter may feel a bit too small. Owners of this Kia minivan report that not only is it safe and roomy, it’s also fun to drive.