Carfax shows an Accident - Air Bag Deployed - Should I still buy it?

[Stoeger]

2003 Saturn Ion, great price (I can buy it for less than KBB Trade In value) but Carfax shows a front end 'MODERATE' collision and the airbags deployed...

So... how do I verify the car was fixed correctly and air bags will work if I get into an accident?

I like the car and it's a great deal - should I buy it?

Has anyone bought a car with known accident history - did you get a good deal on it, and do you feel safe in it?

[BrodyP]

I personally would not buy a car that was in a front end collision especially if the airbags deployed, but thats just me. There are reasons why this is such a great deal.

[ansidious]

Originally Posted by Stoeger

So... how do I verify the car was fixed correctly and air bags will work if I get into an accident?

Someone who specializes in airbag installations would be able to verify.

[dugan50]

The Saturn airbag systems uses a self diagnosing control unit called an SDM. When the vehicle is repaired (properly) and the airbags are working properly, as soon as you turn on the key the system will display the airbag light for 6 seconds, then go out. If you do not see the light then the bulb was removed & there is a problem. If there is a problem (and the bulb is working) , the light will illuminate and then flash continuously. Aside from these conditions, I woudl reccomend your shop check over the vehicle before buying it.