Car & Driver disses buying old economy cars to save fuel

[ac7ss]

Originally Posted by 99metro

Politics.

Everybody MUST buy a brand new car or you will die.

At least that's what I read.

Heck, I was planning to die anyway.

[SuperTrooper]

Originally Posted by ac7ss

Heck, I was planning to die anyway.

If given that choice, I'd buy a new car.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by roflwaffle

Furthemore, while the safest driver can't avoid every accident, by definition then tend to avoid them especially the life threatening ones, as such it's safer to drive safetly than it is to have a newer/safer car.

You should drive a VW bus and leave all those terrible safe cars to the rest of us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPpU5azjCB8

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by Formula413

I hope this doesn't turn into another war over safety vs size like the other thread...

Quoted for exasperation

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by tjts1

You should drive a VW bus and leave all those terrible safe cars to the rest of us.

At max weight, driven into a concrete wall, during a crash test? I'll pass, but feel free to lead by example...

[Frank Lee]

I'll drive the Bus! Gimme Gimme Gimme

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Formula413

Quoted for exasperation

I agree. It's fodder for a argument that cannot be resolved. Keep it reasonable and on-topic folks.

RH77
Moderator

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted by Clev

I'm certainly not going to fall for the "you MUST have a giant SUV to be safe" argument (and seeing the head-ons that happen on that mountain, the SUV driver dies just as often as the other guy), but $11k is not out of line for a new 37 mpg rated subcompact made with better materials and methods than in 1990, with front and side airbags and ABS. And since I'd buy new, I'll KNOW it had all of its maintenance done, was broken in properly and will probably last 200,000+ miles.

Again, depends on your situation.

So when does it end? 4 years after you buy this econo car, something will be far better then. You could buy that level of safety now with a new Volvo now but it will be $25k.
Do you buy winter tires? If not, those would be your best value for safety, and even if you do get a new car, they still are your best value. Also an accident avoidence driving school or doing some autocross would be a great help in learning to avoid the dummy that's trying to nail you head on. Also I'm sure you know which corners are the worst, so slowing down and being ready for someone out of control in your Accord is probably way better than driving a new Corolla obliviously. We all have seen the 4x4 SUV's in the ditch during the first snow storm of the year, and hundreds of bald tired economy cars puttering by...
For sure, if the worst case happens, a new car is better, but I'd argue that driving defensively is a far greater factor than what car you have in determining your odds of making it home.
Ian

[Blister]

C&D is a commercial lacky right along with most commercially produced magazines these days. Advertising sponsors get more say in what goes into the magazine than a true concern for the consumer... or his money... but I guess that's been established in this thread already and I'm basically preaching to a choir.

No worries here though. I can't afford a copy with all these new "fuel efficient" vehicles being released.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by IndyIan

S
For sure, if the worst case happens, a new car is better, but I'd argue that driving defensively is a far greater factor than what car you have in determining your odds of making it home.
Ian

Yeah. Lets just hope the other drivers on the road are just as good at defensive driving as you are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSBLlh7m-eI