Should I buy a car if the airbags have been deployed?

[dream]

[slingshot]

Buying a car with previously deployed airbags isn't necessarily a no-go, but it definitely should make you raise your eyebrows—and maybe even your detective's magnifying glass.

Professional Repair- First and foremost, check if the airbags have been professionally replaced. Airbag replacement is not a DIY job; it requires specific tools, parts, and expertise. Ensure that the repair was done by a certified professional and that genuine parts were used.

Vehicle History and Inspection- Obtain a detailed vehicle history report. Was it a minor fender bender, or did the car kiss a pole at high speed? Also, have the car inspected by an independent mechanic whom you trust. They can check not just the airbag system but also other critical areas that might have been affected during the accident.

Insurance and Resale Value- Check with your insurance provider about any potential complications. Sometimes cars with a history of significant damage can be more expensive to insure. Also, consider the car's resale value; a history of deployed airbags can diminish the resale price.

Safety Concerns- The most important factor here is safety. Make sure that all safety systems are fully operational and have been restored to their original condition.
Price Negotiation- If the vehicle checks out and you decide to go ahead, the fact that the airbags were once deployed could be a strong point for negotiating the price down. After all, even a perfectly repaired car that had an airbag deployment might be less appealing to the next buyer.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a car with deployed airbags should hinge on the assurance that the vehicle is safe, has been thoroughly inspected and repaired, and is being sold at a fair price reflecting its history. Trust your gut, do your homework, and don't rush into a deal if something feels off. Safe driving!

[WindAtMyBack]

That is too chancy. There is always a risk when buying a car. You are playing the odds and you want those odds in your favor as much as possible.

I don't know what it takes to deploy the airbags, but I know the odds are extremely high that it's been in an accident, and probably a fairly serious accident. It's just not worth the risk. Never buy a car that's been in an accident, even if the accident was fairly minor.

A car that's had the airbag deployed MIGHT be a good deal if the price is right. But if you are asking this question, you don't know enough about it to take the risk. So stick with cars that are lower risk.

[Flatmanlewis]

Not likely. Either there is a significant electrical problem which led to their deployment (This has NEVER happened that I can find) or almost certainly the vehicle was involved in a serious collision which is being downplayed. If the vehicle is deemed a salvage vehicle by the State it’s nearly worthless unless you view it as an unreliable but suitable for your needs vehicle. Sometimes people can buy a far more expensive or prestigious vehicle than they could normally afford because it’s salvage title.

[HelpfulWoman]

you'd need to replace each airbag module that's been deployed, and apparently that can range from $1500-$2000 dollars EACH one. So may be worth skipping

[laurieluvsit]

Only if they have been reactivated which is very expensive.

[msc545]

No, the thing about it is that when airbags are deployed the car is almost automatically totaled by the insurer. When this happens, the car winds up with what is called a salvage title giving it very low market value. Unless the car is in good condition and has been repaired properly and it can be documented that it has and the purchase price is substantially below market value. I would suggest you pass on it. There are too many ways for cars to have bad repairs and hidden defects that have never been repaired to take a chance on it.

[ChicoFromThe305]

No that would make the car not street legal to drive, you can get a ticket and maybe even get your car taken away if they find out it has no airbags, in order for a car to be street legal it needs a certain amount of requirements, airbags are one of them, same with mirrors, seat belts, headlights and tail lights etc, if you are going to buy It, make sure getting it airbags is your next step, let's of course not forget we don't think we need something until we do, one day if you run into something you'll probably wish those airbags were there.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Depends on the price, you definetely need repairs, for the Airbag ss well as the car itself, as it was in an accident.

[Likes2drive]

I wouldn’t, those are expensive to replace and the damage that caused them to deploy could be extensive and not worth it since the just the air bags and modules cost $2,000 each and it can’t pass inspection without them

[RavVid]

See the repair detail and who did them.

They are expensive to repair so there are bound to be shonky repairers.

[normalice]

Sure but consider it a salvage when you look up the blue book value.

[TommyMountainFigure]

I certainly wouldn't!

Unless they are faulty, they only get deployed during a big accident!

[exitseven]

No. It costs over a thousand dollars to have them replaced

[itsclearlynicholas]

I'm only speaking for myself and my immediate answer; no

[Wiredone]

No don't do it. You'd be buying a constant headache. There had to be bad frame damage for the airbags to deploy.

[Huntingnfishin]

Nothing good happened to that car to make the airbags deploy.

[genericname85]

only if you can make sure there's no damage to the frame.

[laly520]

u gotta get it replaced

[Redstang88]

Not for anything other than parts

[Sameone]

Don't
is going to be not safe

[jamesgoldman]

Only if you run a parts yard

[FireFox001]

No. Had an accident. Try to avoid accident cars.

[austinbooth]

No you shouldn’t

[Staximus]

Hell no

[dudeinohio]

No way

[MrDaveAPSI]

Nope

[riverrat3]

Nope