Buying a used car that was rear-ended

[Howard]

Supposedly the damage was completely fixed, but what are the signs to look out for?

 

[jpeyton]

No.

 

[caspur]

Would you marry a girl that has taken it up the ass?

Same thing.

 

[TruePaige]

Would you marry a girl that has taken it up the ass?

Same thing.

So..pay anything he has to for it?

 

[james1701]

Would you marry a girl that has taken it up the ass?

Depends, will she do it again

 

[jlee]

How hard was it hit?

 

[StageLeft]

Would you marry a girl that has taken it up the ass?

Same thing.

So that's one vote for no and one for yes.

Anyway, yes I would assuming the damage was not substantial. Particularly rear-end damage you're not looking at any possible gremlins that may come along with front-end damage (electric, engine, etc.). Still possible to have some issues but if it drives fine and you don't think the unibody was damaged why not?

I think people have an unreasonable fear of cars have have been damaged just as others have an unreasonable fear of used cars. This works to the benefit of those who buy used and those who buy accident cars. I bought my maxima 95k miles ago after it had been hit from the side. I had it checked out and it was fine. It's never caused me a problem in any way at all.

 

[bruceb]

It depends on the hit and how it was repaired. First things to check are to sight down the rear quarter panels, look for any waviness. That will tell you if they are straight. Next, check how well the doors and trunk open & close. If they work like they should (easy) then your next step is drive the car. See how it tracks on a Flat Road (parking lot) .. if it goes straight it should be ok. Have some follow the car to see if the wheels all seem to be in the same track line. And of course, check the trunk floor and under car frame and components.

 

[Bignate603]

Check the doors and especially the trunk to see how well they open and close fit. If the panel gap around the trunk isn't even I'd be suspicious that the body is tweaked. Also, check all the tires (if they've been using them for a while) for any signs of uneven wear. Drive it, go over some bumps and listen for any abnormal noises. If it groans or the suspension doesn't cycle smoothly you could have suspension issues.

Finally, even if it looks like it's been fixed use it as a bargaining tool to get a lower price. If it's the same cost as a car that hasn't been in an accident you shouldn't be considering it.