Buying a used car with previous body damage... horrible idea?

[Cuda1447]

As I eluded to in another post, I am in the market for a used 370z. I ran across one particular deal that mentioned the car had some rear body work done due to an accident. Pictures look good etc... but I'm curious, is that a HUGE risk to take in a car? First inclination is yes.... but then I started to think about it. My wife got hit by a deer awhile back in her 2010 TC. She had some work done to her front end, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the car. If I could get a really good deal buying that (because no one else will) I would do it in a heart beat.


Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Perhaps I'm totally out of line and this is a horrible idea?

 

[Bartman39]

Its fine if your going to keep the car for a long period of time but not if your planning on reselling it soon or trading it in...?

Just make sure of the damage and the repairs were done correctly and it may have a warranty on the work as well...?

 

[Cuda1447]

Yea, I'll be much more careful this time about checking the car out before I buy out. Live and learn and all that shit. On my 350, within a few months of getting it I noticed

1) the convertible top ripping (was already ripped, just taped up)
2) The top had trouble going up and down from time to time
3) When using the tiptronic shifting sometimes the rpm needle would stop moving


Nothing major, but aggravating nonetheless.

 

[Doppel]

Lots of cars get in accidents. Due diligence in play and I'd consider one with proper repairs. Obviously you get good money off purchase price.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I would want pictures of the damage when spending that kind of money, along with receipts etc

I'd also run a carfax, and use that a major major bargaining tool. The original owner probably received a diminished value check as well

It might be worth have the unibody etc checked if it hasn't already