Executive summary
The listing photos suggest a relatively localized left-front impact. The hood, grille, headlights, cab, bed and visible wheel position look encouraging, but two front airbags deployed and the windshield is cracked. The largest unknown is whether the bumper reinforcement, left frame horn, radiator support or suspension picked up damage that is not visible in the photos.
What looks good
- Copart identifies it as Run & Drive.
- Both headlights and most of the grille appear intact.
- Hood appears broadly straight with reasonable panel gaps.
- No obvious cab, roof, bed or rear collision damage.
- Interior appears complete and reasonably clean for the mileage.
- AutoCheck showed no earlier reported accident or major title-brand history before this event.
- Recent report entries include battery, brake and tire/wheel service.
What is bad or uncertain
- Driver and passenger front airbags deployed.
- Windshield has a large star/crack pattern and needs replacement.
- Left-front bumper cover, lower trim, brackets and liner are visibly damaged.
- Seat-belt pretensioners may have fired even if the belts still move.
- SRS control module will likely contain crash data.
- Structural and cooling-system damage cannot be ruled out from auction photos.
- Minimal maintenance history is visible in the report, so baseline service should be budgeted.
Listing photo review
Recommended repair sequence
Pre-purchase structural and mechanical inspection Critical
Inspect both frame rails and frame horns, bumper reinforcement, radiator core support, condenser, radiator, fan shroud, steering rack mounts, left control arms, tie rod, knuckle, wheel bearing and tire position. Measure wheelbase side-to-side and compare diagonal reference points.
Remove damaged bumper components DIY 3/5
Remove the grille/lower trim as required, bumper fascia, left brackets, splash shield and fender liner. Do not order every cosmetic component until the reinforcement and mounting tabs are exposed.
Inspect Cooling, steering and alignment repairs Variable
Pressure-test the cooling system and A/C condenser area, correct any bent brackets or suspension parts, then obtain a four-wheel alignment and printout. A normal alignment does not prove the frame is straight, but abnormal caster or wheelbase can expose hidden damage.
Replace windshield Professional recommended
The crack is large and in the viewing area. This generation does not appear to have a windshield-mounted driver-assistance camera, so calibration should not normally be needed, but confirm the exact equipment with the glass installer.
Restore the SRS system correctly DIY 4/5 + specialist
Replace the driver and passenger airbag modules with correct, non-deployed parts. Inspect or replace fired seat-belt pretensioners, verify impact sensors and wiring, and reset or replace the SRS control module according to scan results and Nissan procedures.
Baseline mechanical service DIY 2/5
Because detailed maintenance history is limited, inspect or service engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transfer case, front/rear differentials, transmission fluid condition, belts, hoses, spark plugs, brakes and tires. Check for the known radiator/transmission-fluid cross-contamination concern on older Frontiers and verify what radiator is installed.
Final validation Critical
Scan all modules, confirm the SRS lamp performs its normal bulb check and turns off, road-test for steering pull/noise, verify 4WD operation, recheck fluids and obtain an independent safety inspection before handing the truck to a teenage driver.
Purchase and project budget
Potential Copart purchase cost
Using a $1,000 hammer price and the supplied $391.30 shipping quote to ZIP 49504, this is a practical planning estimate. Copart fees vary by membership type, title group, payment method and bidding method, so the final invoice may differ.
| Assumed hammer price | $1,000.00 |
| Estimated Copart buyer, virtual-bid, gate and environmental fees | $550.00 |
| Shipping to 49504 | $391.30 |
| Estimated delivered acquisition cost | $1,941.30 |
This estimate does not include Michigan sales tax, title, registration, plate charges, broker fees, late-payment fees, storage fees or optional services. Confirm the live Copart invoice before treating this as exact.
| Repair category | Likely DIY / outsourced range |
|---|---|
| Visible bumper, brackets, liner and clips | $180-$500 |
| Windshield installed | $275-$500 |
| Correct driver + passenger airbags | $365-$550 |
| Seat-belt pretensioner repair, as required | $100-$300 |
| SRS module reset/replacement and scan | $46-$150 |
| Alignment and inspection | $150-$300 |
| Baseline maintenance | $200 |
| Updated responsible repair reserve | $1,316-$2,500 |
| Estimated delivered-and-repaired project total | $3,257.30-$4,441.30 |
The project-total range combines the estimated $1,941.30 delivered acquisition cost with the repair reserve. It excludes Michigan taxes, title and registration. Updated using currently advertised online example prices in July 2026; prices, shipping and availability can change quickly.
Driver steering-wheel airbag — correct-generation example
Used OEM Nissan airbag, part number 98510-9CF8C; listing specifically shows 2014 Frontier SV Crew Cab 4.0L compatibility.
View eBay example ↗Passenger dash airbag
Used OEM examples advertised for 2009/2012 through 2021 Frontier. Confirm the exact part number and connector against the VIN before ordering.
$65 eBay example ↗ $135 eBay example ↗SRS control-module reset service
Mail-in crash-data reset service rather than a replacement module. The module must first be confirmed undamaged and supported by the service.
View eBay service ↗Front bumper and liner pieces
Examples include the upper retainer, left outer bracket, left steel bracket and one- or two-piece fender-liner sets. Inspect behind the fascia before ordering.
Fender-liner set ↗ Bumper-bracket set ↗Before bidding: printable checklist
Photograph both frame rails and front frame horns.
Check bumper reinforcement for folds or shifted mounts.
Inspect radiator support and hood-latch alignment.
Look for radiator, condenser and coolant leaks.
Compare left and right wheel position in the openings.
Check tire sidewalls and wheel for impact damage.
Inspect steering rack, tie rods, knuckle and control arms.
Pull all SRS, ABS, 4WD, engine and transmission codes.
Confirm which seat belts are locked or pretensioned.
Test 4HI/4LO operation on a suitable surface.
Check transmission fluid and coolant for contamination.
Listen for timing-chain whine and exhaust leaks.
Inspect underside and frame for Michigan rust.
Confirm title status and post-sale branding requirements.
Price insurance before bidding.
Set a maximum all-in price including fees and shipping.
Bottom-line assessment
The photographs make this look more promising than a typical front-hit auction truck because the visible damage is concentrated low on the left corner and the upper sheet metal remains largely intact. The two deployed airbags mean the impact was still substantial enough that hidden structure, sensor and pretensioner damage must be treated as real possibilities.
Recommendation: pursue it only at a price that leaves a meaningful contingency reserve. It can be a worthwhile father-and-son project if the frame horns, radiator support and left suspension measure correctly and the SRS system is restored without shortcuts. For a teenager's first vehicle, the final standard should be stronger than merely getting it to drive: straight structure, clean alignment printout, fully functional airbags/seat belts, good tires and brakes, and an independent final inspection.