• Check out safety ratings for the car in question by. It's a must. • Check Product Safety Australia to see if that particular model has been recalled. • Have the car checked over for safety and reliability by a qualified local mechanic. • Pick a car that has six airbags (preferably). • Read reviews from other owners to determine how well the car performs. • And above all, resist the temptation to buy a car only to take it back a couple of days later. Believe me, that kind of thing sticks with you for a lifetime!