Air bags hurt!!!!

[Old Troop]

Got into an accident Friday and my chest still hurts like hell from the airbags. My car is totaled so I need a new one. I do a lot of trips from DE to MA so I'd love some advice on what to buy to replace the old (170,000 mile) warhorse.

[Flaxbee]

1. yes, they do. I'm sorry you were in an accident, but if you only hurt from the airbags,

you're lucky!

What kind of car are you looking for?

I know this may sound absolutely ridiculous to some, and we drive a Honda now (that we actually bought used after a car accident of our own), but I don't know if we'll buy either Japanese or Korean next time around - they're both whaling countries and I just can't stand supporting that.

So, we'll probably buy some sort of VW next time...

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Glad you are ok!!

[MicaelS]

3. Nissan Altima...

Love my 2008. Fabulous car. http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/

Some Nissan dealers offer a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty at no extra charge. $150 deductible and covers entire powertrain: Engine, transimission, driveshaft(s). Not all offer this, so check around.

[FloridaJudy]

4. Yup. They do.

But not nearly as much as having your forehead hit the windshield at 60 mph. Two of my friends are still alive today, courtesy of their air bags.

Sorry about the accident. I hope you're better soon.

[nolabear]

5. Glad you're here to post that!

Yeah, I know someone whose sternum was broken by one. But there's no doubt he'd be dead without them. Glad you're okay. And Mini Coopers rock!

[kurtzapril4]

6. Something that is at least assembled in the US. n/t

[LynneSin]

7. probably hurts alot less than your head going thru a windshield

Glad you are ok

[handmade34]

8. so glad you're ok!!

I remember the call when my son totaled my Ford Ranger (the airbags inflated) I was so happy to see him ok

my dad has a great Chrysler Sebring for sale (2007, 50,000 miles, leather seats...) great car, I've driven it and it is comfy... I think he's looking at about $10,000??

[NV Whino]

9. I totaled my 2007 FIT in June

And bought a 2012 FIT. love it!

I escaped the air bag injury, but the seatbelt got me. Seven weeks later the muscles/ligaments around my ribs are still hurting. Nothing broken, and I really got off easy, but damn I'm tired of hurting.

[emilyg]

10. My Camry was totalled

recently. Went with another used Camry.

[HopeHoops]

11. At least it deployed! As for a replacement, consider the Focus.

It's a popular car now and for a good reason. Everyone I know who owns one loves it, and it gets good mileage. DE to MA is a long, boring trip, so see if you can get a built-in iPod dock for the stereo.

[Butterbean]

12. Yes. Yes they do. I have a 2nd/partial 3rd degree burn scar on my hand

where the air bag exploded on my hand in an accident last year. I'm thankful it was there, though, seeing as the seat belt in my vehicle failed and went completely slack and the airbag was the only thing that stopped me from being launched through the windshield.

I'll take the burn over a fractured spine/paralysis any day.

[Wait Wut]

15. I had the same thing happen.

It was a weird 'V' shaped pattern on my wrist/forearm. Hurt like hell. I also got a hairline fracture in my left arm from where the airbag slammed my arm against the arm wrest. But...I'm alive.

Airbags rock.

[Butterbean]

16. Yes. I had a bruise on my forehead from hitting the steering wheel and a little whiplash

in addition to the painful as hell chemical burn, but by God I walked away from that accident and went home to my husband and children.

[lastlib]

13. Damn straight, Skippy. Sorry 'bout your 'ax-dent'

I would recommend my Chevy Impala--comfortable for the long trips, pretty low maintenance so far (knock on wood). Decent on gas--not what Chevrolet advertises, but not far off--only hurts when the stuff gets above about $3.50/gal or so.

[Phentex]

14. Glad you are okay...

sorry about the pain. I've heard they can burn as well.

I have no car recs for you but you know everybody's going to scream BUY AMERICAN!