Buying a secondhand car is a smart move for many people. It’s more affordable, depreciation is less painful, and there’s a wide range of choices out there. But one thing you should never compromise on—whether you’re buying new or used—is safety.
When you’re browsing used cars, it’s easy to get distracted by how sleek a model looks or how well it fits your budget. But safety features aren’t always as obvious as a shiny exterior or low mileage. And since secondhand cars come from different years and trim levels, what’s included in one model may be completely missing in another.
So how do you actually evaluate and compare the safety features of secondhand cars? Here’s a practical, no-fuss guide to help you make a smarter, safer choice.
1. Start with the ANCAP Safety Rating
The easiest starting point is checking the ANCAP safety rating (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). ANCAP provides independent crash test results and safety ratings for vehicles sold in Australia. These ratings are updated regularly, and they include both crash protection and crash avoidance technologies.
Head to the ANCAP website and search for the car’s make, model, and year. A 5-star rating is ideal—but keep in mind that a 5-star rating from 10 years ago doesn’t hold the same weight as a 5-star rating today. Safety standards have improved significantly over the years.
Tip: Compare vehicles from the same year. A 2016 model with 5 stars is generally safer than a 2010 model with the same rating.
2. Check for Essential Safety Features
Here’s a simple checklist of must-have safety features to look for in any secondhand car:
- Airbags – At least front and side airbags; curtain airbags are a plus
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) – Helps maintain steering control in emergency braking
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Reduces the risk of skidding or losing control
- Traction Control – Improves grip on slippery roads
- Seatbelt Pretensioners – Tighten the seatbelt in the event of a crash
- Crumple Zones and Reinforced Cabin – Absorb impact and protect occupants
- Rear Parking Sensors or Camera – A huge help in avoiding low-speed collisions
If a car doesn’t have these basic features, it’s worth considering another option.
3. Look for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
More modern vehicles come with advanced safety technologies that can help prevent accidents altogether. While these features used to be exclusive to high-end models, many are now available even in mid-range secondhand cars.
Some of the most valuable ADAS features to look out for include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – Automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent
- Lane Departure Warning – Alerts you if you drift out of your lane
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Warns you of vehicles in your blind spots
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains a safe following distance
- Cross-Traffic Alert – Helps detect traffic when reversing out of a driveway or car park
Not every secondhand car will have all of these, but even one or two can make a big difference.
4. Inspect the Condition of Safety Components
It’s not just about what features are present—it’s also about whether they’re working properly. When inspecting a secondhand vehicle (or having a mechanic inspect it), make sure to check:
- Airbag warning lights – If the light is on, it might indicate a fault
- Seatbelts – Should retract smoothly and lock up properly when pulled quickly
- Brakes and tyres – These are critical for stopping safely
- Lights and indicators – Often overlooked, but vital for visibility and communication
- Windscreen and wipers – Clear visibility is a basic but crucial safety factor
Always test drive the vehicle and pay attention to how it feels when braking, turning, or accelerating. Strange noises or delayed responses can be warning signs.
5. Compare Trim Levels and Safety Packages
Sometimes, two cars that look the same from the outside can have very different safety profiles. That’s because manufacturers often bundle advanced safety features into higher trim levels or optional packages.
For example:
- A base model Toyota Corolla might only have the essentials
- A mid-tier or top-tier Corolla from the same year might include AEB, lane assist, and a reversing camera
So when comparing vehicles, make sure you’re looking at the specific trim and options each one includes. Sellers should be able to provide this info, and you can also look up the features on the manufacturer’s website for that model year.
6. Don’t Rely Only on Dealership or Seller Claims
If you’re buying from a private seller or smaller dealer, double-check all safety feature claims. Sometimes features are listed generically—like “includes airbags”—but they don’t mention that only the front driver airbag is present.
Ask to see the owner’s manual or spec sheet if available, and don’t hesitate to verify with a quick online search for that exact make, model, and trim.
7. Ask for a Professional Inspection
Even if you’re confident, it’s worth paying a licensed mechanic or vehicle inspector to look over the car—especially its safety components. For a relatively small fee, you’ll get peace of mind knowing there are no hidden issues with the brakes, suspension, electronics, or crash history.
8. Check for Recalls
Before finalising your purchase, check whether the car has been subject to any manufacturer recalls—especially safety-related ones. You can usually do this by entering the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the manufacturer’s website or via a government recall database.
If there has been a recall and it hasn’t been addressed, ask the seller for documentation. Some repairs may still be covered for free by the manufacturer.
Choosing Safety Without Compromising Value
It’s easy to get caught up in price, paint colour, or fuel economy when buying a used car—but safety should always be high on your checklist. Even if you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of secondhand vehicles out there with excellent safety features and ratings.
Take the time to compare options, ask questions, and verify what you’re being told. After all, when it comes to protecting yourself and your passengers, no shortcut is worth the risk.
With a careful eye and the right research, you can find a secondhand car that offers both value and peace of mind—and that’s a deal worth driving away with.
If you are in Dandenong, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
South Eastern Cash For Cars
36 Ellen Rd, Narre Warren South VIC 3805
(03) 7074 2682