Airbags

[mulratty]

Has anyone got any feelings towards airbags in minis.Are they useful? Would you let it stand between you and buying a car you really like that doesn't have any?

[DaveC]

If it was me I would say no, but the choice at the end of the day is yours. Both of my Minis date back to 1980, neither have air bags or rear seat belts, but it doesn't put me off driving them

[Backfire]

if you're that worried about it ust go for a newer one (late 90's). The mpi ones have a drivers airbags and side impact bars.

[mulratty]

thanks thats helped!

[Womble]

My car has airbags, 1998 Cooper 1.3i, but I've always thought that if it came to the crunch, i.e. Mini versus Juggernaut/tree/badger, I can't imagine they'd help with the general implosion of car, or am I just being pessimistic?!

[keith]

every bit helps i suppose, so airbags are useful in frontal impact; both my big "offs" in mini's did not involve frontal impact though, once backwards into another car and once sideways round a tree. _cough_ both before *any* car had air-bags it has to be said.
there is no "designed-in" energy absorbing structure in minis; the side impact bars help to minimise intrusion into the cabin, but the wont stop you cracking your head off the "B" pillar.
I'd be in favour of a full roll-cage and good seats, possibly 5-point harness as well.