Side Curtain Airbags and other safety features

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VanIsleMommy

Guest
which safety features would you absolutely never live without?

DH is now saying that I can get a minivan, provided I get one for about $10,000 (same price as our 4runner is worth) AND I can prove that it's safer than our current vehicle.

We currently have a 2000 4runner SR5.
 
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bobandjess99

bobandjess99

Senior Community Member
proving safer won't be hard.
Your vehicle is rated "acceptable" for front impact, and there are no side ratings for a vehicle that old.

Provided you get an 06 or newer sedona, 05 or newer ody, 05 or newer sienna, 06 or newer quest, those are all rated a "good" for frontal, and a "good" for side impact, which are the highest ratings and a step above "acceptable" :)

As far as features...in your proce range, I'd just try to get one of the models listed..they have great ratings, side airbags...If you can score a backup camera, those are very nice...ESC is also considered important, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to get one new enough in that price range...

We love our 06 sedona...great ratings, side airbags, headrests and lap shoulder belts in all positions....
 
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VanIsleMommy

Guest
awesome! I can probably bump him up to $12k if I negotiate for his vehicle which also has to be replaced if that helps open up a few possibilities. I just have to "sell" him on it ;) I did manage to find some 2006 or 2007 mazda 5's for around $12k with reasonably low mileage, I just can't find "proof" anywhere that they're safer.
 
L

livsmum

New member
This is an interesting thread, thanks.

I'm wondering the same thing too. I hope to get a newer minivan around Xmas - around 15K budget. I'm liking the Sienna & Odyssey.
 
Defrost

Defrost

Moderator - CPSTI Emeritus
VanIsleMommy said:
I wonder why the mazda 5 hasn't been rated??
Click to expand...

It's because they don't have the funds to test every car made every year, so they have to pick & choose. I'm not sure what the criteria are for choosing, but I'd guess they pick those with high sales.
 
murphydog77

murphydog77

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
As was mentioned, I couldn't live without side airbags and a backup camera is really high up on my list. Dh is on board with me on vehicle safety, fortunately, and we traded a vehicle without airbags for one with.

A preference would be to have pretensioners on *all* seat belts, but the vast majority of vehicles don't have them in the back seat :(.
 
C

Crake

New member
A good set of performance tires (yes on a minivan even), they allow you to stop 20% sooner than standard all-season tires. If you live in a climate that sees snow, snow tires stop 40% sooner in snowy conditions. Neither of these are vehicle-specific of course, but that is also the beauty, you can add them to any car for some up front costs, but almost nothing long term since your tires will last twice as long with two sets.
 
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VanIsleMommy

Guest
excellent point!! where I live it rains most of the time, so that is important to consider for sure.
 

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