I was in a similar situation last summer. I wanted side/curtain airbags but did not want all the extra stuff (i.e. DVD, nav sys.) SE and LE had to have to get the airbag package. However, I found that if I got an XE 4X4 with the offroad and preferred packages, and bedliner I could get the airbag package. These were all options I wanted anyways, so it worked out well for me. You might want to look at the XE with the airbag package as an option.

 

You can always replace the mirrors with electronic folding mirrors, by the way I don't think the Big Tow mirrors are crappy, they eliminate vertually all the blind spots, and I think they make the truck look bigger, but I can see where they can present problems in tight spaces.

 

they eliminate vertually all the blind spots

Behind you, yes - they are great, but they do magnify the already huge blind spots to the front and sides. I have got used to mine but overall my biggest complaint about this truck is the visibility.

As for the side airbags.... I went through a similar confusion when I got my 05. I wanted them but, since 99.99% of my driving is on the highway, had no interest in the more aggressive tires and shocks. I ended up without them and was pretty dissappointed that it was setup that way. Overall though, I have never been happier with a truck... the good far, far outweighs the bad.

 

I for one, would not want a Titan with side airbags. A friend of mine has had his go off twice, the first time resulted in his dog getting a broken leg.
The side air bags went off when he was dragging a small log on a side hill. Both tires on the passenger side came off the ground (a common occurrence around here), and that triggered the air bags.
apparently there is a sensor that thinks you are going to turn over when a certain angle is reached. I assume that they also go off if you are smacked in the side. The dealer unhooked my friends side airbags, but now suffers with the air bag light light on.

 

A friend of mine is looking to get a 06 Titan, problem is he wants the side curtain airbags (who wouldn't) but does not want the extenable mirrors, to fit in his garage he needs the electric folding ones. I cant believe that Nissan forces you to basically take every freaking package just to get the airbags, but you cant choose the electric folding mirrors ?

Is it possible to replace those crappy trailers mirrors with the folding ones ?, maybe aftermarket or original Nissan?.

I just filled my survey from Nissan asking me how I liked the sales precess and how I felt about the truck at this point, I alluded to the fact that the side curtain air bags should be available standard on LE models and at least a stand alone option. I offered that I dislike sun roofs and detest the fact that I have to take the sun roof in order to have additional safety. I believe that on a loaded out $40K plus truck what's a little more to have the added safety? PRICELESS WHEN YOU NEED THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I didn't know or care if I had those air bags. Turns out the LE comes with enough airbags to turn it into a beach ball, but I could care less. The only thing an airbag ever did for me was jam window glass into my forearm. :huh:

 

A friend of mine is looking to get a 06 Titan, problem is he wants the side curtain airbags (who wouldn't) but does not want the extenable mirrors, to fit in his garage he needs the electric folding ones. I cant believe that Nissan forces you to basically take every freaking package just to get the airbags, but you cant choose the electric folding mirrors ?

Is it possible to replace those crappy trailers mirrors with the folding ones ?, maybe aftermarket or original Nissan?.

I know it's getting late in the game but there are some 05's left. I know Harbor Nissan (Port Charolette, FL) has a couple of 05 LE's with side airbags and VDC with no BigTow. They have 2 or 4wd.