Accident reported: airbag deployed, concern ?

[CKN]

That thing is a disaster waiting to happen. There is a lawsuit just filed here in Utah against on of the Dealers that sell basically all salvage title vehicles. Counterfeit airbag.

https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-f...2JmZW5Wttqg3sPdJ-7_aem_8hJppD9fMhe0LEN1qgFo6A

There are not any short cuts getting a decent used vehicle. In this market-if there is one with a low price-there is a reason.

 

[dogememe]

I’d pass on that.

 

[loneryder]

The second pic looks like a new front fender at least.

 

[The Critic]

Here is the report
I had to convert pdf to jpeg

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Any vehicle with a collision repair w/airbag deployment within the first 1-2 years is likely to be a major one. The first year (or two) is when a vehicle is worth the most money and therefore, the repair threshold is very high.

 

[Lubener]

I am looking at a 2015 Buick LaCrosse with 25000 miles, good price, however the CarFax came with;
"Accident reported: airbag deployed"
No more info about the accident
Seller indicated that it was all taking care, she has all the paperwork for the repairs
Should I be concern ?

Any advice ?

The value of a vehicle is diminished when there is air bag deployement on record.

 

[sirgerman]

The value of a vehicle is diminished when there is air bag deployement on record.

That's is what I told her

 

[The_Jeff]

That's is what I told her

The way you're writing in this thread, you really want the car. Don't let your emotions get the better of you.

 

[4wd]

That's is what I told her

Offer $2k less …

 

[97prizm]

I am looking at a 2015 Buick LaCrosse with 25000 miles, good price, however the CarFax came with;
"Accident reported: airbag deployed"
No more info about the accident
Seller indicated that it was all taking care, she has all the paperwork for the repairs
Should I be concern ?

Any advice ?

Which airbag/s? Typically airbags don't just deploy unless hit hard enough. They can be replaced but most insurance companies write off vehicles with airbag deployment. Alot of newer vehicles have them in the seats as well. Unless it was a freak thing that tripped a sensor I'd be very cautious.

 

[Wylie6G72]

Doesn't look like a quality repair to me. Right side looks okay, left side looks like it's in a bind.

 

[sirgerman]

According to the owner front passenger side
I think I am going to pass on the car

 

[KrisZ]

According to the owner front passenger side
I think I am going to pass on the car

I’m surprised you have to think about it. Maybe if the seller wanted $5k for it, I would consider, but for $13k, it’s an obvious no.
Even without an accident, it’s an 11 year old car, hardly worth the price the seller wants. But that’s probably the loan amount left on it, that would be my guess.

 

[zzyzzx]

Nice car, price looks right. Even with the accident Carmax is offering $12.7k. I'd like a body shop to look at it before purchase. These are great cars with great powertrains. Carmax offer is good condition, not smoked in, 2 key fobs, no other issues.

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Show her the CarMax offer and tell her to take the vehicle there.

 

[CKN]

I would not be afraid to buy it with those low miles. I have owned several repairable vehicles with salvage titles and they have been great vehicles. If the vehicle looks and drives great and doesn't have any warning lights on the dash I would go for it. It's more about the inspection than having a deployed airbag. Used cars are high and those Buicks have somewhat of a cult following. Not sure if it has the 3.6 6 cylinder or the 2.4 4 cylinder. If it's the 4 cylinder I would pass but the 3.6's are good.

You have no idea if it's a legitimate repair on the airbag until you get in to an accident. Those vehicles command absolutely zero premium here-maybe they are special where you are.

 

[crashz]

I bought a car in a similar situation, many owners, early severe accident, CarFax report that showed airbag deployment, etc. I got it for a good price, and found the repairs were made with genuine Honda parts and done OK.

But the car was worthless. To me it was a daily commuter and worked great, but nobody would buy it. Ever. I tried trading it for a 4-Runner about a year after I bought it and the used car dealer would not take it at all. It was a trade of wants rather than needs, so I wasn't upset, but it clearly showed me where I stood with that car. Run it forever as it is worthless.

 

[K2K2]

She wants $13000
here is the car

https://cars.ksl.com/listing/10448404

Estate Sale tells me that grandma or grandpa had a low speed collision.

Worth a look IMO.

 

[Cujet]

I'm not so afraid of the airbag deployment. They deploy very very easily, even bumps under 10MPH can deploy the bags. The repair of the airbag system is not difficult. Many just need a system reset, replace the airbags that deployed and of course, replace any damaged sensors. The repair can easily be as good as new, with proper parts and work quality.

However, if you can't easily verify quality, you'll be dealing with a bunch of "What Iffs". I'd offer less money for an 11+ y/o car.

 

[Rand]

Estate Sale tells me that grandma or grandpa had a low speed collision.

Worth a look IMO.

You clearly didn't read the carfax

under its first owner it had airbag deployment which was rental use.

 

[GON]

Why take an unnecessary risk? Without a doubt you can find this same
Year/make/model vehicle that is one owner and dealer maintained. You now have price your comfortable with, now it comes down to patience.

Target areas like Phoenix/Tucson/ Naples (FL), and the like with a lot of elderly people that owned Buicks. You will get exactly what you are seeking without the risk.

 

[CKN]

I'm not so afraid of the airbag deployment. They deploy very very easily, even bumps under 10MPH can deploy the bags. The repair of the airbag system is not difficult. Many just need a system reset, replace the airbags that deployed and of course, replace any damaged sensors. The repair can easily be as good as new, with proper parts and work quality.

However, if you can't easily verify quality, you'll be dealing with a bunch of "What Iffs". I'd offer less money for an 11+ y/o car.

"Proper Parts":- is the key word in your reply.

• Airbag Modules: The actual airbags that deployed (driver, passenger, side, knee, or curtain).
• Seat Belt Pretensioners: These pull tight during a crash and are one-time-use items.
• SRS Control Module (ACU/ECU): The computer that triggers deployment; it must be replaced or reprogrammed to remove "hard codes".
• Clockspring: The electrical connector in the steering wheel, which often burns out during driver airbag deployment.
• Impact/Crash Sensors: Sensors located near the collision area that detected the impact.
• Covers/Dashboard/Seats: The steering wheel cover, dashboard, or seat upholstery that was torn by the airbag.

The vehicle in question already shows signs of poor body work. So...why wouldn't you be afraid of it?