My 17 year old son just crashed my SE sedan into the back of a pick-up truck. The car really came out well, but the airbag deployed, breaking the windshield, and "all" the front end plastic and bumper are pretty much trash at this point. Of course, per the insurance company, the car is totaled. My big issue is that within the past two months, I have done engine/turbo seals, a timing belt, water pump, Nivomats, and a HEAD(!). And otherwise, the car was in pristine condition in and out.

So, I am trying to figure what to do. Without the $2000(!) air bag and windshield($$$), it would be a "no brainer," but I am wondering if repairing with salvage parts is a wise course. The dollars and cents are not adding up, given these two expensive parts. Is the airbag now a legal requirement? Is there such a thing as a salvage airbag? Does the windshield from a regular 940 fit an SE -- I know the hood is different, but I don't know about the windshield?

I am heading out now to my favorite salvage yard to see what options might be available. Maybe I can find a donor body for my refurbished turbo engine. Maybe I can luck up on cheap front end parts. Maybe I can do some horse trading for another Volvo. Or maybe I can just sell parts. At least I will enjoy the day!

Any suggestions? (Other than hurting my kid and putting him is a "multi-paint" '83 240 with 350k on the clock. I've already thought of that!!).

Allen