7 safest family cars to buy USED in South Africa
As such, we're looking at the safest family cars available on the used market, courtesy of their Euro NCAP child occupant rating. And we're dovetailing that with AutoTrader's latest used-car listing data, to give a cross section of the safest family cars from affordable hatchbacks to top-end SUVs. Another winner for child occupant safety is the Opel Corsa, although these are typically a little older on the used market. Image: File
Let's start our search for the safest family cars for children by helping those operating off a tight budget. There's a common perception that only the largest and most expensive vehicles provide top-tier safety. However, compact models like the Honda Fit and Opel Corsa actually offer exceptional protection for children. The Opel Corsa, for example, scores an impressive 83%, even though used models are typically three-years old.
Meanwhile, the latest Honda Fit performs brilliantly well. It scores 22.4 out of 24 points (87%), involving six- and 10-year-old child dummies. Moreover, with an average used price of R341 667 and mileage of just 9 323 km, the Fit represents the most affordable five-star-rated Euro NCAP vehicle currently available on the used market. With a 92% child occupant safety rating, the Volvo C40 Recharge, as you'd imagine, is as safe as houses. Image: Ray Leathern
A relatively new addition to the local market, the Chinese Omoda C5 outperforms its rivals. It boasts a child occupant rating of 87%. In terms of used list pricing, the C5 has an average price of R399 280. Impressive, despite being newer on average (1-year old) and offering lower average mileage. It's a smart choice if you want something bigger than a Fit or Corsa hatchback.
The safest family cars in the upper SUV tier are the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo C40 Recharge. Both represent five-star safety and everyday luxury in strikingly different ways. The Land Rover Discovery Sport achieves an impressive child safety score of 89%. With an average used price of R1 038 207, buyers can find low-mileage, nearly new examples for significantly less than a new model.
And the Volvo C40 Recharge is the compelling zero-emissions alternative, also with an 89% child occupant safety rating. However, the silent Swede has a higher average used list price of R1 108 467. Ultimately, the safety family cars on the used market in South Africa don't have to come at a premium. Whether you're navigating the daily commute or love weekend escapes with the children, choose a vehicle with top-tier child protection. RANK MODEL CHILD OCCUPANT RATING AVERAGE PRICE AVERAGE MILEAGE & AGE 1. Honda Fit 87% R341 667 9 323 km (1-year old) 2. Opel Corsa 84% R265 011 30 890 km (3-years old) 3. Omoda C5 87% R399 280 5 767 km (1-year old) 4. VW Caddy 84% R419 224 29 573 km (2-years old) 5. Hyundai Tucson 86% R514 707 27 882 km (2-years old) 6. LR Discovery Sport 84% R1 038 207 25 939 km (2-years old) 7. Volvo C40 Recharge 92% R1 108 467 1 111 km (1-year old) Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January – 31 May 2025
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