When buying a used car, it’s essential to carefully consider factors like price, mileage, and condition, as well as the brand’s reliability. A study by carVertical revealed that brands like BMW, Hyundai, and Volvo have higher accident involvement rates, while family-oriented brands like Dacia attract safer drivers. Additionally, luxury vehicles often incur significant repair costs. To avoid surprises, buyers should verify the vehicle’s history, seek professional inspections, and manage expectations regarding maintenance expenses.
Considerations When Buying a Used Vehicle
When contemplating the purchase of a used car, it’s crucial to weigh factors such as price, mileage, and overall condition more meticulously than when buying new. A variety of selection criteria come into play, including the perceived reliability of certain brands. Interestingly, some brands might have a higher likelihood of their models being involved in accidents. It’s important to note that most road accidents are typically the result of driver negligence rather than the car’s safety features. However, certain manufacturers might attract more reckless drivers than others.
To shed light on this issue, carVertical, a Lithuanian company specializing in vehicle history reports for both individuals and professionals, analyzed nearly 500,000 records from the French market between October 2023 and September 2024. While this data does not encompass every used vehicle sold during that timeframe, it offers valuable insights into trends in vehicle safety and history.
Accident Rates Among Popular Brands
You may find it shocking that BMW tops the list with an alarming accident involvement rate of 82.6%. Following closely is Hyundai at 74.5%, and Volvo with 62%. If you’re considering purchasing a used vehicle from these brands, be aware that they statistically have a higher chance of having a troubled history. While some of these cars may have been expertly repaired, it is wise to exercise caution. On the other hand, brands that cater to family needs and don’t have sporty models tend to attract safer drivers. For instance, Dacia ranks at the bottom of this list, just ahead of Mazda and Toyota.
Additionally, this study highlights the financial implications of accidents related to these vehicles. Unsurprisingly, luxury and high-performance cars often come with hefty repair bills. For example, the average repair cost for a Porsche in France is a staggering 11,610 euros, making it the highest on this list. Jaguar and Mercedes follow, with average repair costs of 5,610 euros and 5,191 euros, respectively. In contrast, Dacia’s repair costs are significantly lower, averaging around 1,800 euros.
Tips to Avoid Surprises When Buying Used Cars
To steer clear of unexpected issues when purchasing a used vehicle, consider these helpful tips:
- Verify the vehicle’s history: Always request a comprehensive report detailing any past accidents and repairs. This can easily be done through the HistoVec website.
- Get a professional inspection: Even if repairs appear to be done well, a qualified mechanic can identify hidden defects that may not be visible.
- Manage your expectations: While it may be tempting to buy a luxury or high-performance car at a bargain price, remember that maintenance and repair costs can quickly escalate beyond your initial budget.
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