safety of old cars?

[Pippa68]

Over dinner with my neighbours last night, he told us that his place of work have told him that he must replace his car by December next year. He gets paid a car allowance, and 6 months ago purchased a 5 year old car ~ using his car allowance to pay a car loan, which his company expects him to do.

Anyway..the company have announced that all cars have to be under 5 years old, due to the fact that they are 'safer'.

Is there any evidence to support this?

[Panic Button]

I saw a feature on Top Gear once where they crash tested old and new cars and there was a big difference. Partly due to design improvements, and partly due to weakening of the structure by corrosion.

Pity I can't afford to replace my P reg.

[Toureman]

The company should have the policy of training all their staff up to The Institute of advanced Motorists level. An I.A.M. driver would be a lot safer in a five year old car than an ordinary driver in a new one.

Typical short sighted Company!

[Pippa68]

Thanks for the viewpoints guys :o)

Funnily enough I was just thinking about my dad who bought a brand new Volvo 25 years ago..he only sold it on last year! it never gave him any trouble. Compare that to several colleagues of mine who have bought brand new cars which spend the first year of their lives in and out of garages getting 'teething problems' fixed.

Excellent point regarding driver safety. Considering that the drivers have to (and can) provide evidence that the cars are fit for the road (MOT, tax, insurance etc) and no evidence at all that they are safe drivers it seems to be a bit of a no-brainer doesn't it?

The workers are also being told they have to use the car allowance to buy a newer car in line with the company car rules ~ they need to be the same status (Mondeo, Vectra etc) I think this is taking away personal freedom..not to mention the fact that the car allowance is �5,000 per annum...what 2 year old car can you purchase with that?

I shall pass on your points, thank you.