Popular Corolla crashes to the top

File photo / Martin Sykes

Older models of the Toyota Corolla - one of NZ's top-selling vehicles - are among the worst cars to crash in.

This year's Used Car Safety Ratings were released yesterday to help people looking to buy a used vehicle to choose the best and safest option.

Up to 203 used vehicles were tested and rated for their overall crash safety.

Twenty-six of the vehicles were rated excellent, 54 good, 48 as marginal, 36 poor and 39 very poor.

Owners of smaller second-hand cars, including the Toyota Corolla 1989-1993 and the Mitsubishi Lancer 1991-1992 models, have cause to worry. The crashworthiness of these models was rated as very poor.

The Ford Falcon Ute 2002-2007 and the Mitsubishi Pajero models were among those vehicles less likely to cause injury to passengers but were rated significantly high in causing greater damage and injury to smaller cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

The Automobile Association's general manager (technical), Stella Stocks, said larger vehicles such as 4WDs performed well in a crash for the driver and passengers.

"However, a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist is likely to be seriously injured or killed if hit by the vehicle.

"Likewise, a light car may not provide much protection for its occupants. However, it is less likely to harm another road user."

A buyer's tendency to overlook the safety aspect when looking for a vehicle was something the AA wanted to change also.

Ms Stocks said there were vast differences in safety among used vehicles and it was important for people to make use of the latest ratings survey.

"There are many variables involved when purchasing a second-hand vehicle," she said.

"Buyers generally think about the purpose for which they will be used, the size, fuel efficiency, price and, of course, colour and look. Unfortunately, it is safety that is often overlooked when making the decision."

The Used Car Safety Results survey is available from AA centres and the AA and Transport Agency websites.