When shopping for a used car on a budget, safety, for many, is non-negotiable. When you and your passengers’ lives are on the line, you don’t want to make any compromises.
How is car safety measured? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has its own safety ratings system. Its testing parameters are often seen as rudimentary. A more trusted source is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), whose tests have led to manufacturers having to increase their safety standards.
According to them, here are 10 of the safest cars you can buy for less. One affordable model that scores highly in the safety department is the Mazda3. This fun-to-drive compact is considered a “best choice” by the IIHS, not to mention often priced below $10,000.
