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  • Sept. 19, 2011 7:33 p.m. 1966stang New Reader

    So my son wrecked my 2002 Miata....not that bad but it popped the drivers air bag, passenger was switched off as his younger brother and younger sister had both ridden in the car recently...

    He did spin the car and tag it both frontand rear...I am thinking it is a goner with the insurance company. If I decide to buy it back and fix it....how much is a used air bag for a 2002 Miata, fair market value?

    And if I can buy it back from the insurance company cheap, what is this thing worth either in parts, or as a Spec Miata donor to someone? It's really not hurt badly otherwise...

    Mostly just damaged the front and rear bumper covers...minor damage to tail lights, hood and trunk...but very, very fixable.

  • Junkyard_Dog

    Sept. 19, 2011 8:19 p.m. Junkyard_Dog Dork

    If you're anywhere close to Louisville I'd recommend bolting all your good parts onto my unbent rust free 2003 shell

    I'll make you a screaming deal!

    My car.

  • Sept. 19, 2011 8:57 p.m. 1966stang New Reader

    Cool, I'll keep you posted!

  • Sept. 20, 2011 1:08 a.m. KB None

    1966stang,

    Having been an adjuster and auto claims manager for way over 15 years I can give a little input.

    Salvage value for the insurance company may be up to 20% at auction. With front and rear damage I doubt it would be much higher.

    Note that if the air bag deployed there may be some damage to the front reinforcement behind the bumper and it could also need a frame pull to square the unibody. It may also be a good idea to replace the impact sensor and the controler. Most manufactures require it if the bag deploys. You should be able to find those also from a used parts source.

    Just a couple of things to be aware of. The insurance company will only write an estimate for a new air bag and related parts so you could easily beat their cost on repairs using the recycled parts. Air bags used to be shipped only by ground freight as they had been classified as explosive due to how they deploy. You might want to check on having one shipped.

    East Street Auto parts in Memphis Builds Spec Miatas and they might have one.

    Check CAR-PART.COM also for your area. Just put in the year, make model and select the part you want and it will search most of the recycle yards for you.

    Good luck Ken

 
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