Would it be okay to buy a smashed car and fix it?

[duragezic]

If anyones notice the million threads I've did within the last month or two about cars, you'd know I'm looking for a car. I went to the dealership yesterday to see about a 92 Accord and a 92 Lumina but the Lumina had some problems and they lied BIG TIME about both cars and wouldn't even deal at all. That's after HIM saying that car sales are very bad (obviously) and that the $3500 to $7000 range is DOING WORST. Why do ya think genius, maybe cause you try and rip people off?

So fvck that place.

I seen an Accord for sale (privately) in town and thats VERY rare but it's all smashed. The front driver side is smashed pretty good and all but its still there, not like its up to the door or anything. Now providing everything else is good like the miles and stuff, would it be an okay idea to buy it (if its cheap) but before buying it, have someone come get an estimate to see how much it'd cost to fix it and if it'd be worth it? Would I have to worry about internal things like it never driving the same anymore?

 

[Muadib]

Would I have to worry about internal things like it never driving the same anymore?
YES!!! There is no way for you to look at a car and tell what sort of damage it may have underneath. Don't set yourself up for major heartache because you can't wait.

 

[Zenmervolt]

When I saw the title I thought you were thinking about doing a full, ground-up restoration on an old car. The simple rule is that if you will miss the car should it not work, stay away from the smashed cars. IMO, the only time a smashed car is acceptable is if you are looking for a project car and intend to disassemble it completely anyway. Don't even bother with that smashed Accord, it will be more trouble than you'll want.

Zenmervolt

 

[tcsenter]

This question falls into the same realm as walking into an exclusive boutique where nothing has a price tag: "If you have to ask, then the answer is no."

Seriously, if you don't know enough about auto and body repair to answer your own question, then you should probably not try it. Unless, this is going to be more of a self-interest project than your primary transportation.

 

[duragezic]

Oh you guys think I was gonna fix it? LOL I don't know how to change the oil on a car...

My cousins own their own collision shop and if I did look at it I would've had them come and at least estimate the dmg to see if it would be worth it to buy and then fix but still be cheaper.

But still not do it? Okay then... I wasn't really sure just I'm getting kinda desperate and to find a Accord PRIVATELY (albeit smashed ) is rare...

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Well if the frame is bent I suggest you don't buy it.

There are tons of Accords, it should be easy to find one...

Also why are you focused on Accords? Do you have anything special in mind to do to it? As in a show car or something?

 

[DonNiggera]

I wouldn't bother unless it's for an un-godly low price...

I have a friend who bought a 2001 celica w/ a smashed front end, no engine damage what-so-ever, he replaced the hood, lights, radiator, and front piece. He bought the celica for $5,000, and fixed it for $2,500. It's in mint-condition now, with only 4,000 miles on it

So he got roughly $13,000 off brand-new price :/

Edit: If you can't fix it yourself (i.e., you'll have to take it to a shop) then don't get it, they'll over-charge the poop out of you, and it'll end up to not be worth it.

 

[tcsenter]

<< Oh you guys think I was gonna fix it? LOL I don't know how to change the oil on a car... >>

Well, the same principle applies even if you're not going to fix it. If you really don't know from experience what you're getting yourself into, I recommend staying away. Unless your cousins are very good and trustworthy, and they say its a good car, but only if you really trust their judgement.

 

[mastertech01]

Why dont you try HERE and see if you can find something near you?