Might be buying a Corolla...quick question

[maxima1274]

Ok, so I found a really good deal on a 2009 Corolla LE with 10k miles for 10.5k.

The guy mentioned that he replaced the right fender because the car hit a deer. He says that there was no engine damage, and is like brand new.

So should I be worried about any future problems? Is it safe for me to buy?

Thanks for the help in advance.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

take it to a trusted mechanic, and check the frame to make sure it isn't bent or messed up..

[ChuckWilliams]

Yes, you should worry. Personally I wouldnt buy a car that had been in an accident unless I could get an extended warranty.

The car is so cheap because of what is called "diminished value".

[dj2000lbs]

def do your own car fax to make sure the tittle is not messed up if it is you'll be screwed

[maxima1274]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

take it to a trusted mechanic, and check the frame to make sure it isn't bent or messed up..

Yeah, the guy suggested I do this if I had any doubts, which I do.

It seems like a good deal though. I mean if there isn't any engine damage, I don't there would be any problems.

[dj2000lbs]

Ya I would maybe go for it. BUT really check the car ALL over he says its the fender and that might be true but maybe he is trying to misdirect your attention. So really look it over make sure the body parts are all in-line try to see the interior panels are still intact. test drive it at highway speeds on a hwy i would take at least 30min personal to look it over real good.

[maxima1274]

Originally Posted by dj2000lbs

Ya I would maybe go for it. BUT really check the car ALL over he says its the fender and that might be true but maybe he is trying to misdirect your attention. So really look it over make sure the body parts are all in-line try to see the interior panels are still intact. test drive it at highway speeds on a hwy i would take at least 30min personal to look it over real good.

Yeah. I just called him and he said he's gonna email me the car fax report in a half hour so i'm gonna take a look at that.

[dj2000lbs]

BE Really careful when the "owner" of the car sends you the car fax cause those can be easily doctored.

and maybe he pulled the car fax right before he brought it to the body shop to get Majorly repaired If you going to be dropping 10k+ i would recommend doing one yourself too

[joeylgarcia]

i would stay away from 2nd hand cars specially those that had accidents in the past. you know what? even 2 week-old cars exhibit problems how much more are the 2nd hand vehicles? just get a good deal and buy yourself a brand new one.

[PhatRoyale]

I agree with PND5 here... take it to YOUR mechanic and have him do a complete bumper to bumper inspection. The fee you pay will save you from headaches in the future.

Take it on a long test drive and to inspect the steering responses and the alignment.

If there is any damage to the frame or vital suspension components, then run away as fast as you can.

[buddy97]

Originally Posted by ChuckWilliams

Yes, you should worry. Personally I wouldnt buy a car that had been in an accident unless I could get an extended warranty.

The car is so cheap because of what is called "diminished value".

completely agree. i wouldnt care what carfax said. cars that have been in accidents are never the same. there is a reason he is selling that car for $10,500.

look at the private party value of that car with no added options:

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...QuizConditions=

he is selling that car for $4,000 less than private party value (good condition). there is a reason for that.

[Pishtosh]

"he is selling that car for $4,000 less than private party value (good condition). there is a reason for that."

Exactly. And now, before writing any checks, is the time to expose your negotiating position and ask "Why?". Please post his answer here, it could be a doozy.

[IceXRS]

Definitely be wary and have it checked out as everyone else has been saying

That said...my parents relatively new car got hit about a year ago and when it was repaired the car was new. Not like new. Not almost new. It might as well have been new. I'm a nut for details and I'm sensitive to even the tiniest changes and that car was expertly repaired. So if the damage was repaired properly...then maybe there is nothing to worry about.

Definitely have it checked on...no matter what.

[mmasse]

Why not just buy a new one for 5k more? You will get all the benefits of a new car (warranty, new car smell, no deer bits in the engine) and plus you wont have to fork over all the cash at once.

[dj2000lbs]

eh I've always bought 2nd hand cars before i bought my XRS Corolla I wish I had waited in some aspects i mean you could buy a used XRS Corolla for 15K save yourself nearly 10K but now i could not even be financed cause I'm on unemployment so Obama is going to be paying for my ride for awhile