Those green notes in your pocket won't protect you in a car crash. A good car will.


1997 E36.


2011 Ford Fiesta.

See the difference? And if the 15 year old BMW does so poor... what do you think happens in a Wira for example? Fret not, the Aussies have tested it:


Don't think even older cars will do any better than this. Because, no they don't.



Not even when it is a big old Volvo vs a small not so old Renault.


And again: In car crashes, not always are both drivers at fault. Sometimes it is just one of them, and the other is just a victim, or both are victims and no one is to blame. Defensive driving won't always save you. Often times, it won't.

@zenix: Yes, it is. If I weren't driving the Kangoo (also for practical reasons, a sedan is just not as suitable for the elderly as a Kangoo is) it would probably be either a Citroen Xsara (since we already own one and love it) or a first gen Skoda Octavia. For the amount you pay they are reasonably safe... something that can't be said of many other choices.

However something like the 120Y is very attractive, I hope many are being kept alive in good original condition (and not modded like mad). And as a classic, in mint shape, I'd love to have one, and drive it once in a while to oldtimer meetings etc.