Buying a used car that was in an accident... thoughts?

"Der Käfer" (Rhy)
10/29/2013 at 15:50 • Filed to: None

I recently purchased a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle "certified preowned" for about 4 thousand less than KBB value from a mainstream VW dealership. Clean car, 12k miles, navigation, Fender audio, Heritage wheels, all the options I wanted in my next DD. The carfax came back clean, the autocheck came back clean so I jumped on it.

After driving it for a week, I decided to clean my car after getting a few days off work. I did my typical routine of power wash, wax and buff.... then I noticed a few things.

I noticed my hood was not quite aligned correctly and there was an over spray on my rear left rim. I freaked out. I opened the hood, doors, trunk, got the jack out and got underneath and sure enough..... the car had been in an accident. I saw overspray, I noticed the front fenders, both bumpers and hood has been replaced and painted, the trunk was not replaced but painted. How could I miss this before I bought it?

The car drives great! The steering doesn't pull, the car runs and sounds the exact same as the new one I test drove.... The dealership is playing the "WE DIDN'T KNOW!" game but after enough pressure and terrorizing the showroom floor, they have agreed to take it to my body shop of choice and have all the imperfections worked out.

So after my dramatic and sad story (don't joke me because I drive a beetle) , I want to know if you guys would buy a car that was in an accident?

P.S. When the car came back from the estimate, the tech said the damage was all cosmetic, all the engine and suspension components were original.

DISCUSSION (48)

Takuro Spirit > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 15:53

I have and will, at the right price. If you're worried about resale value down the road, that's the only thing that would put me off.

That's the caveat with those Carfax reports. They only report what was reported to police/insurance/etc. I've seen cars CLEARLY listed for sale on salvage auction sites, VIN and all, and the Carfax is clean as a whistle.

Oh, and don't worry about getting shit for owning a Beetle. Its got Heritage wheels, and that makes it alright in my book.

SkarTisu > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 15:54

It would depend on what my intentions were with the car. If I knew I'd be looking to sell it again anytime within the next 5 years I wouldn't. If I were planning on keeping the car forever, then I would.

505Turbeaux > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 15:55

I do if I know about it, my 850R wagon was salvage title, but I went over it with the proverbial fine tooth comb to be sure it was repaired correctly. And I got it for 1/3 the blue book "good" value. The owner was full disclosure and I owned it for years. I am sure the dealer didn't know either unless they were hyper vigilant

efme > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 15:57

every car that i've gotten into an accident have had clean carfaxes when I sell them.

i don't find it reliable since it is a paid service.

that being said, I only buy used now.

dogisbadob > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 15:57

It's CPO, so it shouldn't be that bad, and the extended warranty is a must.

How did it pass their inspection? (most CPO cars are required to undergo a thorough inspection and recondition)

Der Käfer > Takuro Spirit
10/29/2013 at 15:58

It actually doesn't bother me knowing my car was in an accident (I actually found the police report for it, the was driven away from the site)

I love my car, I really do. Wasn't a fan of the turbos look and to be honest, I don't like the DSG. It's so.. idk.. rough! The 5cyl is great on gas, I love all the options and it's been a great DD. I bought it 3 weeks ago with 12k miles and I now almost have 15k.

Der Käfer > SkarTisu
10/29/2013 at 16:00

I only paid $16k for it, she's a keeper.

Nibbles > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:00

I recently bought a vehicle that was in an accident. A 1995 Dakota. Bought on sight because 5-speed, 5.2, 4x4, SLT. Paid $900 cash. Kid said it had frame damage.

No frame damage, but the front suspension needs a good bit of work and I had to replace the rear driver axle shaft. Don't care, nine bills for the most jalop truck ever.

RickyD > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:01

I am the GSM at an independent car dealership and I have no problem selling a car that has been in an accident as long as it has been on the road for a while afterwards and doesn't have any major issues. My old Ford explorer needed a new door and fender after I was side swiped, but it was very well kept. When I went to sell it a couple buyers went crazy after I said it was in an accident, saying that it was wrecked. I had been driving that truck for a full year after the indecent. Accidents happen and why you would terrorize salesman who probably have hundreds of cars in inventory for not knowing the elusive history of the vehicle you chose and had the right to take to any shop or mechanic to have checked out is beyond me. If the car is clean and drives well and you got it for cheap who really cares?

Der Käfer > 505Turbeaux
10/29/2013 at 16:01

To be honest I'm not shocked the dealership didnt know, I mean I bought from the biggest VW in the mid-atlantic. I highly doubt they fine tooth every used car they get.

Der Käfer > dogisbadob
10/29/2013 at 16:03

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Our dealers put pre-owned vehicles through a comprehensive, painstakingly detailed 112-point inspection. Every car is put on the lift, every engine is tested on the road, and every inch is inspected. If a car isn’t working perfectly, we won’t let you drive away in it. And if any VW elements fail to pass muster, they will be repaired or replaced with genuine Volkswagen parts. Here are a few highlights of the inspection process:

Check engine for starting and performance, and idle for knocking and vibration

Check transmission for any performance malfunction or noise

Test brakes for proper function, distance, and vibration

Test steering for noise, effort, vibration, and pulling

Get all maintenance up to date, ensure records with vehicle

Der Käfer > dogisbadob
10/29/2013 at 16:03

That is from the VW site. It has 5 years 60k miles on the warranty.

505Turbeaux > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:05

yup they go to the auction and buy buy buy. The P/O probably paid out of pocket to repair before his lease was up. Clean carfax, all good in their eyes

Der Käfer > Nibbles
10/29/2013 at 16:05

oooooooooooooooooo that is a god given bargain........ 2wd mode = slide mode

LuczOr > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:06

I have, and will continue to buy cars that have been in accidents. If it drives straight, engine pulls/runs well, handles fine, and has no weird noises or vibrations/clunks, then what's the problem? All these things can be pretty well evaluated during a test drive/short inspection at the dealer. Most misalignment of body parts can be straightened out just by loosening the screws and shoving them around by hand (this is exactly how the professional body guys do it). I feel there is a huge stigma with buying a wrecked car for a few reasons. One is that you don't know exactly what was damaged, but if it doesn't affect how it drives, so what? The other major reason is simple ignorance. I feel that people think that a car that has gotten into an accident is some sort of time bomb that will explode at an unexpected time. I feel like the chances of something going wrong on a car due to a previous accident are probably identical to the chances of something going wrong due to normal part failure.

Cars in general are ticking time bombs. My Rav4 has never been in an accident, but for some reason, the left front wheel bearing died after 85k miles and the right front CV joint went to shit right about the same time. Things are just going to go wrong.

ddavidn > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:07

I've never had a car that had a clean title. I know the focus was in several accidents, because it was all cosmetic and none of it was fixed, including the airbags... My BMW has a replacement door, I think, due to at least one accident. I don't have a problem with it as long as I know what happened.

Der Käfer > RickyD
10/29/2013 at 16:07

I would think the car if it really does go through the dealers "112 point inspection" that they would have seen the crooked lines and over spray, I'm not mad it was in an accident, I'm mad its not 100% right.

Der Käfer > 505Turbeaux
10/29/2013 at 16:09

The P/O leased the car from them, so they were familiar with the car. It was only serviced there as well.

Casper > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:09

If the frame is good and it looks like the damaged parts were replaced, it doesn't matter. I buy a lot of wrecked cars, even branded titles. You just have to do more homework and digging to make sure the "just airbags going off" was really why it was branded and that the "fender bender" really wasn't a frame crunching t-bone.

Der Käfer > ddavidn
10/29/2013 at 16:12

That's how I feel, the fact I found the police report for it and it says the car was driven away AND the car passed Volkswagens World Auto Certified Pre-Owned Inspection, I don't mind at all.

Der Käfer > Casper
10/29/2013 at 16:14

I was shown that the damage was cosmetic, airbags never went off, all the glass, engine components and the suspension were the original.

Der Käfer > efme
10/29/2013 at 16:15

I only buy used cars as well, I mean my car new less than a year ago was $26k I got it for a whopping $10k less.

desertdog5051 > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:15

Most reputable repair places will have photos of the before. My F-150 has a salvage title cause it was stolen and when it was recovered it was missing most of the front clip. Seller had photos of the before. It was repaired with all Ford parts. Got a great deal on it.

Casper > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:15

Then I wouldn't worry. Any damage to a car can be fixed, but if it's mostly original, then chances are there wasn't much they could have missed in the fix. If it drives true and looks ok, it's probably just as good as any of the other used cars on the road.

Der Käfer > desertdog5051
10/29/2013 at 16:17

That's funny, my grandparents bought a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban back in 1998 that was totaled for the same reason. It was parted off, the repaired by chevrolet and sold to them for half of what it was new and it had 1.5k miles on it.

efme > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:18

I saved 15k+ on my car with 2900 miles.

Der Käfer > Casper
10/29/2013 at 16:18

Once every thing lines up, the car will be perfect. Goes in for repairs monday.

Der Käfer > efme
10/29/2013 at 16:20

#teamtightasses but no seriosuly it makes no sense to buy new, you got a killer deal.

RickyD > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:20

It really is the service departments fault, especially if it was a CPO. I can't imagine selling something like that at a franchise dealership and someone not knowing. Honestly depending on the state your purchased the car, your 112 point inspection could include all of your lug nuts... individually as attributing to that 112 points. It really doesn't mean anything at all.

Der Käfer > RickyD
10/29/2013 at 16:22

I bought from a mainstream chain vw. It passed the certification process volkswagen regulates.

efme > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:22

unfortunately we rely on people with like minded tastes but looser wallets. the more imbalance, the harder cars will come to market.

ddavidn > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:23

Yeah, you should have no problem there. My old boss bought a Z4 off an independent lot once, found out it had been in an accident and found some sketchy welding work in the front. That one might have gone to court.

Der Käfer > ddavidn
10/29/2013 at 16:26

Ok now if I bought from a mom and pop shop and found that out... I'd be calling the family lawyer for sure.

I've bought cars from those places and I can't lie.... they've been horrible. Every car has been a lemon.

ddavidn > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:29

Exactly. I steer way clear of those. Basically, it's worse than a private party sale to me. I offered to help a guy buy a Passat B4 wagon from a place really close to me once, just out of love for B4's. The Passat was already sold, but the guy was a classy little sketchy used car salesman. Yikes.

thebigbossyboss > RickyD
10/29/2013 at 16:43

I got my Cavalier for about $1K under list price, (which is a big discount, when you consider list was $4K) and two years after I bought it, my insurance broker roommate (whom I didn't know when I bought the car), ran my car info and found it had been in one accident. It has since been in another. Honestly, the alignment was kinda off when I bought it, but it's nothing a wheel alignment didn't fix. I have had it 80,000 kms now, or about 55,000 miles, and I have not had any problems related to the accident.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:44

Only if I could take it to be thoroughly inspected and the price was adjusted accordingly. There are many types of minor damage that don't go beyond cosmetics, so you probably shouldn't have to worry about safety or drivability issues, the main issue here, to me at least, is that the dealership wasn't completely honest or careful about it, in case they really didn't know that car was in an accident.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 16:58

A friend of my mother bought a Toyota Echo, which got involved in a rollover about 6 years ago. It was repaired before sale, everything works, (airbags seem okay) but there is a constant check engine light. from she told me, it wasn't something worth fixing on the gas tank.

HammerheadFistpunch > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 17:40

I bought one. It had a fender bender on the freeway, the drivers side fender flair is ever so slightly discolored compared to the rest. It depends on the accident. Sheet metal can be mended and if done well, its no biggie.

maristgrad > Der Käfer
10/29/2013 at 17:54

I buy slightly damaged cars from copart all the time. The important thing to avoid is any car with frame damage. Frame damage can be detected by checking gaps between panels and the alignment of said body panels. I have mixed feelings about this. While I wouldnt mind buying a previously damaged car for under 20k, anything above that threshold would freak me out. I dont think I could buy a reconstructed Ferrari or Bentley GT

Der Käfer > maristgrad
10/30/2013 at 08:49

I agree 100% but ona beetle, the body panels are not like conventional cars, so Theyre easily damaged, as the fenders especially stick out a lot farther than the rest of the car.

Der Käfer > HammerheadFistpunch
10/30/2013 at 08:49

one thing they got right was the color matching.

Der Käfer > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/30/2013 at 08:50

I hope she paid like 500 bucks for that thing...

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Der Käfer
10/30/2013 at 11:14

the check engine light came on after two years of use, the car still soldiers on to this day.

Der Käfer > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/30/2013 at 12:12

Well, I'll keep her in my prayers.

SpeedSix > Nibbles
11/01/2013 at 23:37

Technically, this is the most Jalop pickup ever, but either way, your truck is awesome too.

Kinja'd!!!

Nibbles > SpeedSix
11/01/2013 at 23:59

What does that score on the Jalopometer I wonder...

Nibbles > SpeedSix
11/07/2013 at 13:53

Just for giggles, I put the Mazda REPU on the JalopMeter. 179 points. It does beat the Dak.

Jessie > Der Käfer
06/19/2014 at 18:53

I don't think I would ever buy a car that was in an accident. Luckily it was all cosmetic problems. Not sure what I would of done if I saw that the front fenders, bumper and hood had been replaced. My husband got in a minor accident and all we needed to do was buy used bumpers. Crazy how dealerships will pull this kind of thing on innocent people just to make a buck. Glad you figured this out though! Many people might of not noticed.Jessie Vera | http://www.bionicautoparts.com