Yes, I am also amazed that it took this long to bring up the subject of safety. I guess everyone was keeping a narrow eye on the maintenance/repair cost factor.

Now that this factor has been introduced, I would like to say that when I consider purchase of any vehicle, I consider safety first! It makes no sense to save several thousands on initial purchase if you will pay later in possible medical costs after an accident (if you are so fortunate as to survive). Even after medical costs and recuperation, people just do not think about any permanent injuries that they will have to live with for the rest of their lives. I would much rather spend my money on a safe car even if it is not as trouble free as the most reliable vehicle I could purchase.

One last point, some cars have great crash ratings but they are designed to only pass the specific criteria of the test. These manufacuters do not take into consideration the vast array of crash conditions that occur in everyday life. Also, crash tests only take into account "passive" safety and do not even consider "active" safety features that keep you out of the accident to begin with.

What would you rather spend your dollars on, repair costs to your vehicle or medical costs for yourself with the possibility of lifelong injuries. When you look at it this way, a few more problems or a few more dollars just does not make economic sense to me.