Keeping a vehicle for as long as it’s safe to drive is a practical financial decision, but as cars age, questions about safety and reliability become more relevant. Newer vehicles generally offer stronger crash protection and more advanced driver-assistance technology, but that doesn’t mean older models are inherently unsafe.

Understanding what safety features to look for, what to check before buying a used vehicle, and when extended coverage makes sense can help you make a more informed decision about your next car—or the one you’re already driving.

Are Newer Cars Safer?

Newer cars are generally safer simply because they haven’t experienced wear and tear and have been tested. Of course, this does not prevent recalls or other potential issues, so it’s not always the case. Conventional wisdom says a brand-new car is generally a bit safer than an older model of the same make.

However, there are essential things you should know:

• Seat belts and frontal airbags have been standard safety equipment in modern passenger vehicles for decades, so most mainstream used vehicles on the road today include them.
• Vehicles have gotten safer. If you’re considering a 2011 vehicle, it may still offer important safety features, but newer vehicles generally provide stronger crash protection and may include additional driver-assistance technologies that were less common in 2011. Buying used is not inherently unsafe, but older vehicles generally offer less crash protection than newer ones.
• Occupant protection has improved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatality rates have declined substantially over time as vehicle design, occupant protection systems, and crash-avoidance technologies have improved.

Potential Dangers of Older Cars

If you’re purchasing an older car, especially when you don’t know the owner, it’s important to double-check a few things before agreeing to a price. Here are some things you should look out for when buying an older vehicle.

1. Check the car’s history. You should be able to use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check the vehicle history, including accidents and any major repairs. This is especially important to do if you’re buying the car through Craigslist or other unofficial media.
2. Avoid salvage titles. While many cars with salvage titles are perfectly useful and safe, it isn’t easy to find the proper coverage for them if you’re planning to use them as the primary vehicle. They’re also not approved for rideshare jobs and other gig work that many use to help pay for their car.
3. Look for manufacturer reviews and recalls. Has this vehicle or any of its components ever been recalled? Check whether there have been any past bulletins. Consumer Reports offers free reports like this so that you can sign up for new updates, too.
4. Check the pricing and compare it to the original. Certain cars hold their value, and this is a good indicator of their reliability. For example, Honda Civics consistently hold on to a significant portion of their value even for resale. Prices for older Civics are often only slightly lower than new. The Kelly Blue Book is a universal guide for vehicle pricing, but you can also check sites like CarMax or Shift.
5. Check whether it qualifies for a warranty. If the car is too old for the manufacturer’s warranty, you can still get protection with an extended warranty or vehicle protection plan. Endurance offers coverage for both new and older vehicles, and you can customize the plan to your needs.

In general, treat a used car purchase with even more caution than a new vehicle purchase, and you should feel confident in your car.

Own a High-Mileage Vehicle?

Endurance warranty offers various levels of protection to meet the needs of every driver. If you’re looking for auto protection for your high-mileage vehicle, the Select Premiere contract may be a good fit. This coverage plan is specifically designed for drivers with more than 150,000 miles on their car and who are looking for premium auto protection.

If you don’t have auto protection from Endurance, now is the time to prepare for the unexpected. You can request a no-obligation quote or call (800) 253-8203 to learn about our plans and payment options. When it comes to car maintenance, there’s a lot to think about, and we’re here to help!