What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Are newer cars really safer?

I bought a Ford Focus new in 2003 intending to keep it for a long time. Now 10 years on I am wondering if safety and crash protection has moved on enough to warrant buying a new car. I have two children under six years old who travel in the car and I’m considering a new SEAT Leon. Will it be safer?

Asked on 14 January 2014 by Alex Bishop

Answered by Honest John
Any new car will be significantly safer because it has not yet had a chance to rust in its seams so in the event of a crash is more likely to stay in one piece.

Additionally, the SEAT will have more airbags and they too will be new, whereas there is no guarantee that the 10 year old airbags in your Focus will actually work.
Similar questions
My Volkswagen Golf was hit from the rear by an SUV at over 50mph. My front and rear passenger airbags went off, mine didn't. I had facial injuries, was knocked out for 20 mins and off work with very painful...
I've just bought a new car and there is an airbag sticker on both sides of the passenger sun visor. Is there any legal requirement for this or can I remove it?
My granddaughter has a 3-month-old Nissan Juke and last weekend she approached a T-junction, did not see it, went straight over the T, up a bank and through a six foot high dry stone wall (don't ask!)....
Related models
Quality and refinement are impressive. Great to drive with sharp handling. Shares same base as contemporary Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer