Do I really need a new capsule

I have a baby trend flex loc capsule that was manufactures in April 2007 and I am due in march 2013 (expires april 2013). DO I really need to purchase a new capsule or will it be fine for this baby. This will be our last so really don't want to get another one.

No it hasn't been in an accident, my older 2 are in radians and this one will be eventually, but DS1 starts school in feb and i cant imagine wanting to take the baby in and out of the car seat constantly to do drop off etc, just thinking a capsule will be easier. Although I haven't checked if the capsule will fit in the car yet

looking at the expiry date then yes I would buy a new capsule.

the plastic in carseats/capsules deteriorate after time and that is the reason they have expiry dates. it could be fine for the first 2nd 3rd time but what if that 4th time you are in an accident. I watched a youtube video of an expired carseat in a crashtest and despite the dummy being correctly restrained the straps came away from the carseat on impact. that to me was more than enough for me to never use an expired carseat.

Id looking at hiring one from plunket/baby factory etc

I would use it.

given that car seats can have expiry dates that vary from six to ten years, I'd do a bit of research as to why that capsule has a shorter expiry date. Was it maybe made in a country that has more strict rules about expiry dates? Some don't allow more than six years.
If that was the case, or something similar, then I'd use it given that you know it's history and that it hasn't been in any accidents/dropped/sat outside in the weather a lot or something silly.