I just got a call from a Nissan guy, he has my exact model and color Z ready, willing to sell at MSRP! One problem: it doesn't have side airbags.... And I like to crash alot. Is there any way I can pay him to install them? how difificult is it, how much would it cost? How much of a difference do they make?

 

If it's exactly what you want and the only thing missing is the side air bag, I personally would take it! I didn't order them in the first place.

But then again, I don't like crashing cars.....as a rule!

 

Are you crazy. Buy it and drive responsibly, ie: DON'T CRASH, it's not good for the paint.

 

I agree with Z&Jet-Pilot. And if you find you are missing the side airbags, simply glue pillows to the pillar.

 

Ok thanks guys... I bought the car, flying to Arizona tomorrow (from LA) to pick it up.... I'm gonna try and do it over the internet to avoid state tax..

 

You'll pay Calif. State tax no matter how you buy it. When you register it you'll pay.

 

I hate to say this but I will.............................
I believe in karma to an extent.........
Not taking the side air bags to me is not a good thing.
I have the extra $569 to spare if it is my wellness involved.

Now you wanting side air bags , and really wanting to take delivery of your Z, and this Z not having the side air bags.

WOW......... im sure glad I was not in your position.
Having the Z now........... Or waiting and getting one with side air bags, which you wanted in the first place. I dont like to keep second guessing myself in my decisions, especailly when it comes to a very serious matter as having or not having a safety item like side air bags.

And no you dont just need to drive more carefully, Other stupid people T-bone drivers all the time, it is not in your control to avoid accidents all the time.

I really wish you the best of luck in your driving and luck with the other drivers out there. I was going to post a thread like this before asking people why they opted not for the side air bags?

And to have a temptation of getting the Z now or wait for the one you wanted with side air-bags, Now Thats A Tuffy!
I think to put side air bags in your new Z you might have to buy New seats, since the are in the side of the seats.
I would have gotten the Z also, and the tried to fight my little voice trying to second guess me. Going from a big truck4x4 to a small sports car kind of plays into this soup also
Best of luck you you again in your safe driving.

 

actually, you can avoid CA sales tax....

but you must do this:
1.Buy in a NOMAD state (Nevada, Oregon...states with no sales tax)
2.not use it in CA for 90 days (thats the rule)
3. be able to produce proof that the car (any item) was in use out of the state for the first 90 days after purchase. (gas receipts would work)

 

iams000bored, you're right. Unfortunately it sounds like Zootsuit will be back in Cali by tomorrow.

 

I might be wrong but I am pretty sure that the navigation system and the side air bags are dealer installed items. Don't quote me on this but look into it.

 

As a rule, side impact airbags normally will rarely save your life, less than 1 in 500 statistically. If you are concerned about a lifesaver, dont think these will help you. The reason being, if you get hit hard enough on the door (worst place to get hit) to deploy the curtains it will be hard enough to smack you around with shear force.

The curtains are primarily designed to prevent material from striking you directly and absorb a minor amount of passenger damage from cabin movement.

 

The navigation system is not dealer installed. It is factory installed.

 

I didn't get the airbags, but for a completely different reason. This had absolutely nothing to do with cost. I was told originally (way back) that the side curtain airbags are attached on the roof. Having never sat in the Z, and fearful that I wouldn't fit (6'1"), I didn't want to give up the (thought to be) 1-2" it would take for the airbags at the roofline.

We all know now that headroom is plentiful in the Z. I haven't heard if the airbags do indeed take up room on the roofline or not, so that is still up for debate.

Also, if I am hit hard enough to deploy an airbag on the side, will I survive the concussion... even with airbags? I don't know. Front airbags are helpful because you don't impact the vehicle. It doesn't save you from a vehicle condensing your car and hitting you. Side airbags are relatively new in vehicles. There is no long-term data showing how much they help. (or am I wrong about long-term data available?) I wouldn't think a 6"-ish thick door would stop a vehicle from physically hitting you... even with an airbag inbetween.

 

give it a shot but the DMV will NOT register a car from outta state with less than 7k miles; otherwise you WILL have to pay CA state taxes. <im pretty sure about this>

hmmmmm, maybe im a lil late on this but here:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/osreg.htm#BM2561

 

Side air-bags are not meant to save your life. Rather, they protect your head from serious brain injury. It is better to fork out the extra $569. Think of it as brain insurance. You cant enjoy your Z if you become vegatated.

 

baven, someone who goes to the scene of the accident as his job, doesnt see a need...so I sure dont see a need.

I have heard that it rarely contributes enough safety in a situation where they are employed.

I am also hearing more and more people that would have been fine had they not been brutally knocked in the head with an airbag.