Shite cutbacks.. where does the axe fall?....

[garethj]

It would be interesting to see what the difference is in child mortality/serious injury rates between the 70's, 80's, 90's and present day.

I think it’s significant, if you’re definitely going to have a crash, do it in a safe car with as many seat belts and airbags as you can. Or make sure you’re so lucky that your head bounces off the vinyl rather than the Bakelite inside.

 

However, not having a crash doesn’t seem to be an option that most people consider

[ChinaTom]

way too many variables to consider - don't even go there. No comparison is possible isolating the vehicles and drivers alone.

 

Regardless of any star ratings or advanced skill learning, we will all continue to make the decisions that suit us - all apply our common sense and do what we can to get from A to B safely.

 

The fact that you are very familiar with the Audi adds safety stars that NCAP can't even consider. Sounds to me like that covers the most of all bases. Struggling to make a case for the Maestro though - these are shite toys really aren't they? I'd rattle up at the Angel in one, but wouldn't fancy relying on one for substantial mileages in comfort.

 

Edited in light of above post: Fair enough if you are having the crash, but the likelihood of having that crash and options open to the parties to avoid it once a danger situation is entered into is the prevention vs cure element of this particular argument. There is no realistic comparison between now and previous generations. NCAP stars are the last resort - our jobs are to avoid needing to test them.

[scooters]

sell all bar the 940 and use the money to put an LPG system into the 940 Mike Brace will do it - have a look on the Volvoforums - classicswede

[scooters]

safety wise is a huge debate -

 

since having kids my veiws have changed on this totally.

 

for example - I would be happy to drive the kids in the 240 and the 850 but until I have child seat belts in the campervan they ain't getting in - they are too small at 1 year and 3 years and will cause chaos.

 

 

Kids int he 205 Gti - in town, yes

 

on the open road - no - I doubt it - in a car that loves LO-OS and with me thinking I am in 19 again - no

[AnthonyG]

I would keep the Volvo and the Audi. I can't see your wife wanting to drive a Maestro if she likes the Volvo.

 

I can't imagine a diesel Maestro is that more economical than the Audi either.

 

Or keep one car (Volvo or Audi) and get a supermini or Focus size car from the early 2000's to tick the economy and safety boxes.

 

Regardless of the safety debate above, a 2001 Focus has better secondary safety than the Maestro or the Audi, and if Fifth Gear's 'test' was at all correct, the Volvo 940 as well. But I would say a 940 is a pretty safe car, all in all.

[Akron]

IMHO advanced driving, skid training etc all very useful but hardly answers the question here, in my situation we have a modern for long trips, family outings, holidays etc because of reliability, safety and the ability to tow, the other half has the shite as a daily she does only 7,000 miles a year and likes bigger engines in small cars hence the Felicia 1.6.

So a 2000's on car for the higher risk motorway journeys etc and a cheap small hatch for the second car round town stuff. You already have the Volvo so I would keep that for the missus and maybe a Skoda Octavia / Fabia estate for the main "family" car.

[Lankytim]

There are some great ideas for me to muse over here, although some involve spending lots of money. I cant afford a modern VAG estate.

 

The Maestro is unlikely to be on the road for a while as the V5 and MOT are both still with the previous owner, after I get those its then got to be re-registered as a diesel. Its going to take ages!