<p>I do agree with those who point out that demographics are an important aspect of the real world reports on injuries and driver death rates. These stats are probably most of use, though, when you are comparing cars within the same type and with similar types of drivers driving them. The reports do mention that injury rates are probably more significant than driver death rates, just because there are so many more accidents that cause injuries as compared to fatal results. </p>
<p>100 represents an average rate of injury. In the small car category Jetta has an injury rate of 118, compared to that of Civic with 147 and Dodge Neon with 190. So all of these rates are above the average of 100, despite the excellent crash test results of the first two - due to their lighter weight. Within the small car category Jetta, despite similar demographics to the other two cars, has the better result. But to get better than average results (under 100) you would need to look at larger cars, and even within those categories there are big differences among the cars driven by similar types of people. </p>
<p>I’d still rather buy a used car with a better safety profile than a cheaper new one. Still leaning to Passat. Reliability gives some cause for concern here, but not as much since S will not be that far away. Any other opinions?</p>