Alright, I need a new daily driver and I want something safe. Before I was saving to afford an S2000 but since I totaled the car this morning I think I want more bulk. I haven't saved up that kind of money either.

Who knows of a website that offers car saftey histories or writeups?

Consumer's Reports won't let you search unless you're a subscriber.

 

Try the FIA website. They've done a lot in european safety, incuding the Euro-Ncap tests. Failing that, try the federation of motor vehicles website. (US testing). Ncap is a good word to search, as there is also now a us-Ncap test also.

 

How bout another Porsche, we all know how well those take a hit!

<a href="http://www.edmunds.com" target="_blank">www.edmunds.com</a> has some saftey info on most cars, like impact ratings and such.

 

No Porsches for the daily. I've got 2 kids and really need reliability, mileage, and safety. I love my Porsche but mileage and reliability isn't it's long suit.

I'm thinking Accord, Pilot, Maxima, Altima, Grand Cherokee. Hopefully I'll find a nice 1 or 2 year old program car that will be a little easier on the pocketbook.

BTW, the NHTSA has a decent webpage but is there anything else?

 

Porsche:
reliability--no
mileage--no
safety--DEFINITELY

Have you seen some of the hits 944's have taken and the driver's walked away? Remember the kid who got hit by a drunk going 70 and only scraped his nose? Unless you hit a pole going 40+ or something, a Porsche will take a hit better than most if not all.

What price range are you looking at, so maybe some people can give good recommendations.

 

look on the JD Power & Associates' website... I know that they do rate stuff like that... Also look on consumer reports... they review stuff like that too....

 

$20,000 to $25,000.

 

Audi A6 - you can get a very nice used one for that kind of money. I am in the market for an A4, but they are a bit small for a family car.

Good luck, and glad to hear you're okay.

FWIW, Mini Cooper is deemed very safe, and new ones go that money figure as well. Not sure how many clowns you can fit in one though <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Skip

 

You did What????!!!!!?????

What happened Scott.

 

Scott How about a cool 'Yukon/Jeep killin' Isuzu Rodeo......

Seriously, check out the Saturns, they're reknowned for safety. That SUV they make now, the Vue is pretty cool looking too....

TS

 

I know of a couple. Try the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is sponsored by car insurance companies and has injury and death claims information by make and model on their website. <a href="http://www.carsafety.org/" target="_blank">http://www.carsafety.org/</a> They also do a 40mph frontal offset crash test which is more than the gov't requires.

Also, try <a href="http://www.crashtest.com/" target="_blank">http://www.crashtest.com/</a> which features the European crash test results. Also, the giant Swedish insurance company Folksalm features results on it's website <a href="http://www.folksam.se/engelsk/index.htm." target="_blank">http://www.folksam.se/engelsk/index.htm.</a>

I like the S2000, too, but unlike the 944 it's impossible for me to cram my 6'3" bulk and size 13s into the cockpit. Across the Honda showroom the new (2003) Accord features both head and side airbags in the V6 versions, impressive crash test results and with 240-250hp depending on gasoline grade and with the 6-speed manual available in the coupe it should be amusing to drive to work, and it should be about as reliable as a Honda lawnmower.

 

Thanks Billdcat. Good links. Yeah, the Accord is pretty bulletproof and high on my list.

 

It's a No Brainer... The Accord is untouchable in that price range. I can get you into a '03 EX-V6 Sedan without Navigation FOR $24,000. I am a long time Honda/Acura owner and will tell you they are the best vehicles for daily drivers and they hold their value better than anything on the road. Go drive the new Accord or if you would like I can put you in touch with someone that will make everything very easy with no dealership BS...

 

My isuzu trooper has gone 110,000 miles and hasnt broken down once. If you want a reliable car, make sure it doesnt say "MADE IN THE USA" on it. (yes that does sound pretty tacky)

 

I didn't see this mentioned, but <a href="http://www.edmunds.com" target="_blank">Edmunds.com</a> is a pretty good place to do research. They have top-10 lists on things like most stolen, safest, least complaints, highest/lowest insurance, etc...

I have a friend here locally who had his car totaled on Tuesday (old lady in a big caddy ran a stoplight) and I'm helping him shop right now ~ to bad he doesn't have the money set asside that you do.