On the secondary market, cars are available for up to $10,000 that at one time showed high results in Euro NCAP or received IIHS awards. The Autoportal experts' selection includes five models, but safety ratings depend on the year of manufacture and trim level.
Top 5 safe used cars up to $10,000
The crash test results apply to new cars in specific versions and were evaluated according to the protocols of the respective years.
1. Volvo V40
The Volvo V40 received five Euro NCAP stars in 2012. Adult protection was rated at 98%, child protection at 75%. The car was also equipped with a pedestrian airbag.
2. Mazda 3
The third-generation Mazda 3 earned five Euro NCAP stars in 2013: 93% for adult protection and 86% for child protection. The 2014 Mazda 3 also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, but the award applied to certain cars with a front crash prevention system.
3. Honda Accord
The 2013-2014 Honda Accord received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+. At the same time, in the small overlap test, the car showed an Acceptable result rather than the maximum Good. Therefore, the specific year of manufacture and body type matter.
4. Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf VII received five stars in the 2012 Euro NCAP tests. The level of adult protection was 94%, and child protection was 89%. These results apply specifically to the Volkswagen Golf VII and do not extend to other models of the brand.
5. Hyundai Elantra
The 2014 Hyundai Elantra received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, but not Top Safety Pick+. The result depends on the model year and the equipment of the specific car.
“A high crash test rating does not replace an inspection of a used car: after a serious accident, the condition of the body, airbags, and seat belts may no longer match the factory condition,” notes the author of the material, Oleksii Astapov.
Before buying, it is worth checking the damage history, structural body elements, airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, and electronic systems.
