Long time reader drove the car (yellow!) for the first time today. Loved the engine, handling and the six speed. Also considering Boxster (sorry). Since there is no airbag shutoff, wondering if people with small children feel comfortable taking them in the car. Realize that stage 2 airgags aren't the problem earlier models were, but a big part of the fun of owning this car will be enjoying it with my kids. Are they safe in the S 2000? Is there a workaround? Thanks much.

 

You can get a switch installed to turn the passenger side off.

Lance

 

Jack's Dad, reading the manual, just the first few pages, should dissuade anybody but a child abuser from taking small kids in the S2000.

However, if you get a passenger side airbag cutoff, that's different.

 

cutoff switch

 

I found some info regarding cuttoff switches at the Dept. of Trans. site. Go to:
http://www.dot.gov/affairs/1997/nht5997.htm

 

Great information. Thank you. Now that you post I recall when this policy came out many dealers were reluctant to take this on for liability reasons. Has anyone successfully completed this process? How long did it take to get the paperwork back fron the feds? Would like to drive the car this summer. Thanks again.

 

Hey Jack's Dad.... i currently have airbag switches in both the S2000 and my Type R integra for kid hauling..... i had a professional install them (about $300 each). here is a link

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/airbags

inside you will find airbag people to install it locally to you!

Scot

 

About two years ago, I spent hours studying the NHTSA website to determine risks to my child from my Z28's first gen airbag. I learned four things:

1. Keep the seat all the way back (Airbags only extend out about 18").
2. Keep the kid sitting in the seat (ibid).
3. Don't let your kid be unbelted (duh).
4. Here's the most important thing I learned: Don't buy a Dodge Caravan!

If the switch gives you peace of mind, by all means buy it. At the time I studied it though, it didn't seem like the statistical and demographic data justified the hype, worry and press this issue received. Further, with the Z, the kid was better protected (by the door impact beam and interior space) by being in the front than in the back.

 

Try the search function. Here's a good discussion of the issue.
http://www.s2000online.com/forums/showthre...p?threadid=8627

 

Sherborn has plenty of fun roads for this car (I used to live in Millis).

How old are your kids (still in a car seat?)? I find the car very solid and do not worry about taking our 13 and 11 year olds out for a ramble (one at a time though).

Did you drive the Yellow one in front of Bernardi in Natick?

Best of luck with your decision.