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Are cheap cars safe?
Global NCAP found that these cars, when involved in an accident, may cause serious injuries or even deaths to their passengers. Correspondents stated that the cheap models sold in India lacked safety features, such as airbags. This was one of the reasons why the cars were distributed at an affordable price compared to those sold in North America and Europe.
The cars involved in the test
The car models that were tested included: Tata Nano, Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo and Hyundaii10. These cars accounted for 20% of all automobile sales in India in 2013. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to only expensive cars. What we can learn from this story is to look beyond the price when buying cars.
Let’s not forget that cars are more than just accessories or forms of technology made to reflect social status. They are supposed to provide us convenience for our everyday needs, mainly transportation. They are supposed to serve as our partners in taking care of our loved ones.
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This study brings up some good questions. One of which is, what should we look for when buying a car? Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
- Crash safety. Global NCAP is only one organization taking the time to test car performance in critical situations, like road accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also conducts crash tests. Check out how the car you are looking at performs based on the ratings published by these groups.
- Reliability. Do you have kids? What will the car be used for? Decide and really think about the kind of car that your household needs. If you’re a bigger family, then you may buy a minivan because that is the car that serves you best. However, whether you are purchasing a small car, an SUV or a pickup truck, always put safety first and make sure the vehicle is in good shape before you buy it.
- Cost-effectiveness. How does the price of the car you want fare with its features? No one wants to throw away their hard-earned money. There’s nothing wrong with buying a used car or a new one for that matter. Maybe ask your friends and read reviews about a car for further advice. Compare prices across brands and dealers and find the car that fits your needs.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I believe buying the right car for you will help protect you. So, try and check the safety features, what other features the car has to offer and consider your family when purchasing a car. Don’t let social status be the only reason for buying a car. You want one that will last, is in your price range and that has safety features that will protect you in the event of an accident.