Car repairs - Question

[kelleigh1]

Hubby drives a 1997 Nissan Altima. Sorry, but I don't know the mileage.

Anyway, the Air Bag light was flashing so he called the local Nissan service department and they scheduled him for today. We dropped it off last night and he called this morning to get an update.

Now they told him that the air bag component needed to be replaced and that it would be $1100.

Does anyone here have experience with this issue? Anyone work for Nissan? Any mechanics out there?

Does this sound right? It sounds terribly high to me. Two years ago I had a similar problem with my Ford Explorer and it cost me around $600 to fix. One of hubby's coworkers said that his was around $450. Not sure what kind of car the co-worker owns, but it's not a Nissan.

We're not planning on getting it fixed since we don't think it's worth putting that much money into the car at this point...especially when he can drive my year old Tucson to work since I take the train. But I'm just curious if other people think we're getting ripped off too.

 

[denisenh]

DH says that if it is the "module" try to get a used one at a junk yard. He said that they are expensive new.

But it may also be the "ring gear" (I think that was what he said) which isn't as expensive. He said to get a second opinion before replacing anything.

Anyway, good luck!

 

[Squirlz]

Yes, air bag modules are very expensive. Look for used parts to save money.

 

[kelleigh1]

Thank you. Yes, they did say "module". Doesn't seem worth spending big bucks on putting in a brand new one in a 9 year old car.

We'll probably get a 2nd opinion and then see about a cheaper option or we'll just look at getting rid of it and getting a new car for him.

 

[thewishfire]

I used to have a VW Beetle. I loved the car dearly but it had so many problems that I just couldn't keep it any more. It was all under warrenty... good thing because I had BOTH front air bags go within a few months of buying it (as well as MANY other problems). And yes, I think the price is about right. See if you can get it any lower though.