I'd be real surprised if you didn't incur some significant engine damage. What did she hit? Doesn't appear the bumper absorbed much of the hit. I'd say it's toast. I only got $7,300 trade for my 2003 Eddie Bauer in 12/08, when I bought my truck.

I hope everyone is okay.

 

I've heard several 2nd hand stories about early generation airbags, where people got injured by the airbag going off when it should not have.

No doubt even the early bags saved lives in serious accidents, but I've always wondered how many people were injured by the bags. I know of one case where the lady sued the manufacturer when it went off when she crossed a rough seam on a bridge. Burned her face and eyes. Afterall, it's basically an explosion in a bag.

Far fewer of those stories recently, so I guess the technology has gotten better, and they only go off when needed (crosses fingers).

 

Yes. The new generation airbags take muchmore data into account before the decision is made to deploy them. I think some airbags will not go off unless the occupant is wearing a seatbelt. This is due to the fact that there are pre-tensioners in the seatbelts that will tighten up before the bag is deployed. That way the persons head isnt right on top of the steering wheel when it goes off.


And you are right. You have an explosive charge right in front of your face every time you drive a vehicle equipped with an airbag. At some of the shops i have worked at we would gather up the local insurance agents and set off a bunch of different air bags in the parking lot. That way they can get an idea of what happens during an acident.

 

Oh I do, and that's why I have always tried to have a full size truck with the exception here and there because I could not always afford one. My wife and I always have the argument of why I would rather drive my truck when we go some where and those pictures just reinforce that belief. I am glad that your wife and daughter are safe.

 

I remember going to school in the mid 90's to be a auto mechanic and they were just starting to make their ways into vehicles. We were lucky enough to have a instructor that worked at the GM proving grounds when they did the testing on the 1st gen air bags. The first thing he told us was to never put our chest up against the steering wheel when working on the dash because there were more than a few techs that lost their lives because the air bag went off and killed because of a static charge or a short in the harness.

 

Everyone's OK, TY. Yea, the engine is pushed back into the firewall recess and she was leaking oil. I couldn't get a good look. She rear-ended one of those 8th gen Mercury Cougars (kinda looks like a Probe). The Cougar slammed on his brakes when he saw 3.68 gas (his words). Wife got the ticket (of course).

I had to go into the shop today to sign consent that they can look at the Expy. Of course, they cannot make a determination of repair costs v. fair market value. Offline, I talked to a shop guy and he just shook his head and said that is extensive damage. We'll wait and see. I've got my truck, wife has her VW Beetle Conv. We're fine for transportation for now, but dang, that next road trip ... /sigh.

Thx y'all.

 

My other half worked for a body shop, and I was a service adviser for them when they'd repair a car but need suspension rebuilt or an alignment done. From seeing your pictures, its a close call. Since the airbags didn't deploy that saves it some. But, if your firewall is kinked from the engine that means the motor mounts and/or frame is tweaked. To fix that, the engine will have to come out, and it HAS TO BE FIXED. They won't say, 'well the firewall is dented but doesn't have to be fixed', it has to be fixed as close to factory as can be. Pulling the motor will add so much more labor time to this. So, engine removal (possible replacement), parts for the entire front clip, new trans and p/s coolers, frame repair if needed, there could be front suspension damage (sway bar, tie rods, perhaps damage to the p/s rack itself), and paint. From all that, you have to factor in mileage and year of the vehicle. You have well over $7000 worth of damage, and I guessed on the low side. Oh, I forgot you're A/C system is destroyed so that all will have to be replaced, as well as the fan, water pump, alternator, radiator, radiator support, air intake system, and who knows what all else. When you get your insurance money, there are tons of 03-04 Expys/Navigators with low mileage for around $16,000 so soon enough you'll have another one to love. I'm glad your family made out of the accident safe

 

Add electrical repair to my list, looks like the relay center took damage too, also horn, headlights, air bag wires all will have to be replaced or repaired too.

 

I would guess she's a goner... She did her job and did it well.

 

Thx y'all ... the offline discussion I had with the shop guys pretty much echoed what mikeyss said. It's close ... then the big HMMM ... after he saw it was 4WD. He couldn't commit to an answer. Still waiting ...

 

You can always take the insurance money and buy it back. Then use the money to rebuild and customize it. A little mechical ability can save you thousands

 

If the engine got pushed into the firewall I dont think there is any chance it will fix. There are times when an insurance company will consider something a structural total loss. This means that while it may not be considered an economical total loss, there is just no way to actually repair it correctly and put it back to pre-loss condition.

You can certainly do what Tumba said but be careful. If you go that route you better have all your ducks in a row. Ive seen more than a few people go down this road only to lose their rear ends on the deal. Also, the vehicle will have a salvaged title if you buy it back from the insurance.

 

...she's a gonner then ... my mechanical ability relates to being able to find the hood latch, popping the hood and saying ... "hmmm, looks good" ... close the hood and drive off to the dealer.

I really want and wish they can fix her, but now I'm a bit worried if they can, how close to factory specs will they get? Will there be safety concerns after repair. ... man ... this sucks.

If we do replace her, it will definately be another Expy. Probably not brand new, we just can't afford another 50k for a similarly equipped Expy.

 

If the damage was concentrated to the rear end I would say you might think about trying to fix it. There is just to much to worry about in the front end to make it worth fixing. Also, with a repair as involved as this there is always the concern about issues arising after the fact. The last thing you want is a vehicle with a salvaged title that is constantly giving you issues that have to be tracked down either because they didnt show themselves during the repair or because they were overlooked during the repair.

This could turn out to be a money pit in the long run. Also, when you go to trade it in or sell it you are not going to get as much out of it due to it being a rebuilt salvaged vehicle.

Sometimes its better for everyone to just let em go. Kinda like Old Yeller. It may hurt, but its probably for the best to put her out of her misery.

 

Just a quick update on our blue-baby. Docs took a look, did some diggin' around. She has a pulse, but no brain activity. They pulled the plug. Totalled out. Insurance will deposit a check in our account. Surprisingly, well above my estimate. I think, since I'm leaving for Afghanistan again this year, we'll just take the insurance money and whatever we can scrape together on my deployment and get us a new one (in 2012).