Expert: William Forster - 9/25/2008

Question
I am going to buy Acura MDX 2005.
The carproof report indicates a frame damage.
Strangely enough, it was dated after the car was accepted at the auction.
Here are the three records from the report:
7/2/2008 Reported at auto auction
8/4/2008 Auction announced as Fleet/Lease
8/6/2008 Auction announced as frame damage
I assessed the car at an Acura dealership and it did not find any problems with the car except a scrape under the passenger side floor area. Also, it needs 4 wheel alignment.
Do you think it is safe to buy this car?
Thank you very much in advance, Lev  

Answer
Pass this clinker by. It's probably been in a serious collision. There are surely other Acuras out there that haven't been all piled up. The allignment could likely be a symptom of improper frame repair. Don't trust your own judgement as far as looking for frame damage- you reallt need the help of a professional here, especially when you are talking about buying a high dollar item. It takes a trained eye and put on a hoist. Buying this car without further investigation would be incredibly foolish. Bill