For you owners out there with kids...

[billycuth]

Are side curtain airbags a dealbreaker if the car you are looking at doesn't have them?

I am really hemming and hawing over this. I just realized the 06 I put a deposit on does not have them. I have two little boys. I am just wondering if I am making a big mistake by not having them...

 

[BIGRED03]

I reconstructed accidents for years. Air bags with children in proper seat belts simply saves lives, more airbags cannot hurt. Does it have the curtain airbag in the roof? SUV's in general are top heavy. They tend to roll easier when in accidents that give them an opportunity to roll over. Ford helps this with it's independent rear axle to a degree. The airbag in the roof is because of this. Choosing a large vehicle to start with is doing and saying a lot for your children, size in an accident always matters. I am not saying they do not build safe cars they do, but it does not require much thought of who is more likely survive a scenario in the accident involving a 1 and a half ton unibody car and a 3 ton box frame truck. Great to see you looking after your family's vehicle safety. Hope this helps with your decision. I drive an Expedition for a reason.

 

[KWT2000]

not a deal breaker for me having the kids in the proper seat and buckled properly is where i cocentrate

we sold our first expy ( in my sig) and got a pontiac g6 all the air bags and top safety ratings you could want, just recently a g6 got hit not far from my house by a superduty the truck drove away the 3 occupants of the g6 were killed and the car totaled

thats why we just bought another expy

i think having a full sized full framed truck is much safer than a car but i dont think the curtain air bags would be a deal breaker

 

[billycuth]

It's an 06 XLT and according to etis.ford.com it does not have the side curtain airbags. I don't know about a roof airbag.

Rollover is my #1 concern. My wife has never had an accident, knock on wood, but that doesn't mean she never will.

This deal that I have is perfect, but I can't feel right knowing I am buying a car without this protection - since it is available. And finding a good condition low mileage Expy at the right price is hard. Everyone is overvaluing. The ones that are good values are snapped up before you have a chance.

Ugh.

 

[billycuth]

Here's where I am with it. If I buy the XLT without them, I will ALWAYS have it in the back of my mind.

If I buy one with them, I will never have to worry what if.

This sucks. For all involved.

 

[BIGRED03]

It's an 06 XLT and according to etis.ford.com it does not have the side curtain airbags. I don't know about a roof airbag.

Rollover is my #1 concern. My wife has never had an accident, knock on wood, but that doesn't mean she never will.

This deal that I have is perfect, but I can't feel right knowing I am buying a car without this protection - since it is available. And finding a good condition low mileage Expy at the right price is hard. Everyone is overvaluing. The ones that are good values are snapped up before you have a chance.

Ugh.

My 03 had the roof airbag it may have been optional then but all I looked at when I recently bought its replacement had it as standard. Three things I would suggest to you. 1. Look around at the sites that give resale values, I know at least one of them would give you a pop-up of the factory standard equipment for that model by year. Secondly there is a tell tale way of seeing if it does there is some clue on the roof panel for right now I cannot think of what it is. You will know it when you see it. Wait I remember there is a label (airbag) above the door pillar between the front and second row and a warning label on the sun visor. The side airbag is noted on the seat cushion. Lastly and just as important with a seven year old vehicle there is bound to be some type of body damage. If you do not know how to check ask someone you trust who does or take it by a bodyshop for a quick look or even a garage. Paint can hide a lot of damage. A magnet down the sides will tell you where the bondo is. I think the hood and hatch cover are an alloy so a careful inspection will have to be done there. Check the frame front to rear for non-factory welds and differently aged running gear and for leaks and off road damage especially for 4X4's.
Carfax or chex or whatever it is called only knows of what is reported to the government or to insurance companies. Be ill at ease if someone tells you that there report is the gospel for that car. Good luck in your search.

 

[GAINMOB]

not a deal breaker cause that hasnt always been an option/features in vehicles and everyone felt fine without them...as stated...seat belts and proper child seats...but u cant be to cautious...my truck doesnt have them and i feel totally safe in it

 

[billycuth]

I hear you. It's not about the fact that they weren't always available. It's the fact that they are available now and I am consciously choosing to overlook that.

Kids in infant seats are pretty safe if everything is setup correctly. 5-10 year olds that are in booster seats can go flying all over. That's my concern.

 

[KWT2000]

i think if it is on your and a concern you should do what feels like the best choice you have to live with it

 

[tojohnso]

Not a concern of mine as I figure millions survived driving vehicles without any airbags. I have them in my '11, which I like. But, it wouldn't have been a deal breaker for me if I found one without. I figure we have an advantage with the size and everyone has to wear seat belts.

 

[BIGRED03]

I hear you. It's not about the fact that they weren't always available. It's the fact that they are available now and I am consciously choosing to overlook that.

Kids in infant seats are pretty safe if everything is setup correctly. 5-10 year olds that are in booster seats can go flying all over. That's my concern.

Did you find out if the air curtain bag is in the one you want?

 

[billycuth]

Did you find out if the air curtain bag is in the one you want?

The one we ended up buying for good (drove it home last night) has the airbags and a whole lot more...

 

[billycuth]

if you EVER have any question about the equipment on your Ford vehicle:

FordEtis home page

 

[BIGRED03]

Good Job, I know you and family will be happy and safe.