Safest first cars under $10,000

Posted 19 March, 2020 Samuel Smith

Year after year, youth are overrepresented in road trauma statistics.   People aged 16 to 24 make up 11% of the population, but account for 18% of fatalities and 22% of serious injuries on South Australian roads, according to government stats. It’s a sad fact: young people face a higher risk of serious injury and death on our roads compared to other age groups. To combat this, countless methods have been introduced, from curfews and passenger restrictions to the latest Graduated Licensing Scheme. But what about the cars they’re driving?   In an ideal world, L and P-platers would tackle traffic in the safest vehicles on the market. In reality, this often isn’t possible due to the higher price tags of these cars and the lower budgets of young drivers. But as life-saving automotive technology becomes the norm, we’re starting to see vehicles with 5-star Used Car Safety Ratings drop below the $10,000 mark. If you, or the young driver(s) in your life, are in the market for an affordable used car, check out our following 5 picks, all under $10,000 and each with a 5-star Used Car Safety Rating.  

2011 Honda City VTi

Used Car Safety Rating: 5 stars Price range: $8000 to $10,000 Average km: 110,000km Engine: 4cyl 1.5L petrol Transmission: Automatic Why it’s a safer option: The 2010-2014 Honda City features dual front airbags, side airbags, head-protecting side-curtain airbags and antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution. Electronic stability control reduces skidding in the event of an emergency and helps the driver maintain control of the car, while advanced seatbelt reminders and pretensioners are fitted to both front seats. A secure 3-point seatbelt is fitted in the rear, offering better protection than a standard 2-point seatbelt.  

2008 Audi A3 Ambition

Used Car Safety Rating: 5 stars Price range: $9500 to $10,500 Average km: 130,000km Engine: 4cyl 1.8L petrol turbo Transmission: Automatic Why it’s a safer option: The 2004-2013 Audi A3 was one of the safest cars in its category when released over a decade ago. Today, it still holds up extremely well, boasting a 5-star Used Car Safety Rating. The Ambition turbo is a lot of car for the money and features dual front airbags, as well as front and rear side-curtain airbags. The A3 has excellent stopping power with antilock brakes and electronic stability control. When new, it scored particularly high in ANCAP’s side-impact and pole-impact tests.  

2013 Nissan Pulsar ST

Used Car Safety Rating: 5 stars Price range: $9000 to $10,000 Average km: 100,000km Engine: 4cyl 1.8L petrol Transmission: Manual Why it’s a safer option: Though a little harder to find than its competitors – the Mazda 3 and Toyota Yaris – the 2013 Nissan Pulsar is packed with safety features. The Pulsar’s occupants are protected by driver and passenger airbags as well as curtain airbags. On the road, it features electronic stability control and traction control. When crash-tested in 2013 by ANCAP, the Pulsar’s passenger compartment held its shape with maximum points for head and neck protection. It also scored highly in whiplash protection tests.  

2013 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost

Used Car Safety Rating: 5 stars Price range: $9500 to $10,000 Average km: 140,000km Engine: 4cyl 2.0L petrol turbo Transmission: Automatic Why it’s a safer option: All variants of the 2013 Ford Mondeo received a 5-star Used Car Safety Rating. The EcoBoost features driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, head-protecting curtains and a driver knee airbag. Mondeos build in 2013 came standard with electronic stability control. They also feature Ford’s adaptive energy-absorbing steering column which, in a crash, works like a shock absorber to soften the impact.  

2010 Volkswagen Passat

Used Car Safety Rating: 5 stars Price range: $9900 to $11,000 Average km: 150,000km Engine: 4cyl 1.8L petrol turbo Transmission: Automatic Why it’s a safer option: The 2010 Passat (all variants) is one of the safest, best-appointed options for drivers in search of a larger used car around the $10,000 mark. Both the Passat sedan and wagon have 5-star Used Car Safety Ratings, scoring maximum points in ANCAP’s side-impact crash tests when new. Occupants are protected by dual front, side and curtain airbags. Electronic stability control comes standard. Higher-spec Passats have the added bonus of a reverse camera and come with emergency brake assist. See all Used Car Safety Ratings.