Buying used is a fantastic way to save money upfront while avoiding a vehicle’s major depreciation periods. However, you have to be mindful of which year model you purchase. Many of the safety features that are easy to take for granted in newer vehicles aren’t available in older cars. Depending on the make and model, even going a year back or picking the wrong trim could mean missing out on key active and passive systems.
These are some of the must-have safety features you should look for when buying a used car.
Air Bags
Though you won’t have to worry about your vehicle having airbags, you need to check how many airbags the car you’re considering comes with. You also want to look for side curtain, side, knee, and passenger airbags, especially if you’re shopping for a family commuter. Another important feature to keep younger kids safe is LATCH systems in the passenger seats. This is required in all vehicles made after 2002, but you should check that the anchors and tethers are functional before making a purchase.
Rear-View Camera
A rear-view camera may seem like a luxury, but it should be high on your list of safety features. You should especially prioritize this system if you’ll frequently be backing out of a driveway at home, have kids, or regularly perform tight parking maneuvers on your commute to work.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If you love road trips or have a long commute that has you routinely engaging the cruise control, shop for a vehicle that has adaptive cruise control. With a standard system, you have to press the brakes or deactivate cruise control when traffic slows and then reset it once it’s safe again to maintain your desired speed. Adaptive cruise control automates this process, adjusting your speed to keep a safe distance without your having to reset the system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Tire pressure is an overlooked part of vehicle safety. Underinflated and overinflated tires both increase the risk of a blowout. Find a car with tire pressure monitoring to help prevent either problem from happening.
Collision Mitigation
Collision mitigation includes several active preventative systems that stand out as the more exciting safety aspects of a car. This includes things like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. However, these aren’t brand-new inventions. Many 2016-2017 models will feature these systems.
If your current car has some of these active safety systems, look for a replacement that also offers them. This will make it easier to get acquainted with the car’s features and reduces the likelihood you’ll forget that you no longer have blind spot monitoring before changing lanes.
Bluetooth
Though Bluetooth isn’t technically a safety feature, it’s an addition that can make you a much better driver. Paired with voice commands or steering-wheel-mounted controls, you can make calls and change your music without taking your eyes off the road. If you plan on using your phone for navigation, this feature will make following step-by-step instructions much easier.
Saving money is no excuse to compromise on vital safety features. Make sure your next used vehicle has these six important additions.
Photo by landrovermena | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
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