Which Used Car is the Most Reliable?

Which Used Car is the Most Reliable?

Reliability is absolutely crucial when you’re using your car for work, to transport the kids or to go to the shops. Buying a used car that is likely to keep going without any problems in a year or two can offer customers peace of mind. Not only that, it can also save a lot of money. 

At Mornington Ford, we offer only the most reliable used cars to our customers. Search used car dealers Frankston and Hastings cheapest cars for a range of reliable used car options. With over 150 used cars to choose from, Mornington Ford has you covered. 

To reduce the risk of ending up with a used car that spends more time off the road than on it, we’ve put together a list of nine cars that have been awarded the highest rating for safety tests. This list includes some of Australia’s most reliable car brands that you can rely on when buying used. 

The Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) list was published by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) in 2021, which provides valuable information for used car buyers.

The rating system ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 star being awarded to the category’s 20% of vehicles with the poorest performance and 5 stars being given to those with the best performance. Some models have been marked as ‘safer pick’ which denotes that they:

  • Offer good protection to their driver
  • Have a lesser risk of being in an accident
  • Cause less injury to other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders

Our Top Nine Picks

BMW 1 Series (2011 – 2019)

Awarded a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, the BMW 1 Series offers a side impact defence to both adults and children while its autonomous emergency braking system works effectively in all circumstances to prevent or lessen crashes. The ‘safer pick’ used car is available at Mornington Ford today. Access our stock by searching second hand cars Frankston or used cars Seaford to view your options.

Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016)

The Toyota Prius is equipped with advanced safety assistance technologies that come standard, including autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, and adaptive cruise control, which extends excellent performance within small cars.

Audi A4 (2008 – 2015)

In the Audi A4, safety is a top priority with excellent brakes, better pedal feel and superior stopping forces. The pre-sense city brake can automatically apply the brakes to the vehicle decreasing the power of impact at speeds under 53 mph and even stop entirely at speeds under 25 mph.

Subaru Liberty / Outback (2009 – 2014)

Subaru prioritises safety, and one example of this is its EyeSight driver assistance system, which employs front and rear cameras to help prevent and lessen collisions. Plus, side airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags, and dual front airbags effectively protect the driver and passenger’s head and neck.

We have plenty of Subaru stock at Mornington Ford. Spend some time researching used Cars Frankston and used cars Mornington for a range of used Subaru cars in excellent condition. 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009 – 2016)

The 2016 Mercedes E-Class is equipped with belt bags which are located in the side bolster of the seat. The passenger is moved into the centre of the car by this Pre-Safe Impulse Side Protection technology prior to impact.

Ford Kuga (2013 – 2016)

Incorporating active and passive safety features, the Ford Kuga features a stiffer body structure which is highly effective at absorbing impact energy in addition to providing the passenger safety cell with strong deformation resistance.

Of course, we have Ford used car stock at Mornington Ford. Plenty of options are available just for you, simply search Mornington Holden used cars and used car dealers Frankston to find your next dream car.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2012 – 2018)

The Hyundai Santa Fe provides extra seats, legroom, and headroom in the third row. This not only lessens cramping but also gives your kids a sense of security in case of a sudden stop or collision.

Audi Q7 (2006 – 2014)

The 2014 Audi Q7’s remarkable safety features include Xenon headlights, LED running lamps, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and advanced warning systems. Simply put, the Q7 is a whole package that you don’t want to miss.

Volvo XC90 (2003 – 2015)

The Volvo XC90 is equipped with ‘run-off road protection’ which aims to protect occupants from common road-departure accidents. Plus up to one-third of the vertical force applied to occupants in a vertical crash can also be absorbed by energy-absorbing material positioned between the seat frame and cushions.

What We Recommend

At Mornington Ford, we always recommend drivers check the safety rating of used cars before purchasing and pick the safest car within their budget. According to associate professor Stuart Newstead of the Monash University Accident Research Centre, “A driver of the worst rated vehicle is over eight times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in the same crash than the same driver in the safest vehicle.”

Make sure you double-check the safety level of the used car you intend to purchase from the Transport Accident Commission by accessing howsafeisyourcar.com.au to review the safety report. If you’re after safe used cars in great condition Mornington Ford can help. 

We have a wide range of used cars which have been run through strict inspections by our highly experienced technicians. Rest assured, your safety is secure at Mornington Ford. Simply search used cars Mornington Peninsula and Frankston used car dealerships to learn more about our reliable range of used cars. 


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