AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
Question Hi Ray, I'd like to know if it's wise to buy a car that got rear ended but are then fixed. I'm looking at a 2007 Camry Hybrid listed for $17,900 on Craigslist. It has 47,500 miles on it. Private one-owner. The carfax report does not indicate that the car has been in an accident and the title is clear. I found out that the car has been in an accident from what the owner told me. When he first bought the car he took it on a family vacation down to southern California and got rear ended. It damaged the rear bumper. He lives in Bonners Ferry, ID (83805). He drove the car all the way back and had it fixed there in Idaho. He has own the car for more than 3yrs now and had no other problems. He provided the carfax report and are willing to give info about the autoshop that he had the car fixed. He thinks that it may be a minor accident so it didn't make it into the carfax report. I live in Seattle, WA (98125) and it would take about 6 1/2 hrs drive to get to Bonners Ferry, ID. I wanted to know if you think it is wise to pursuit this car? I was thinking of offering $15,500 to $16,000 for the car after it passed the private mechanical inspection. Is that a good price? In your opinion, do you think it is worth the time and effort for a used car that has been in an accident. Below are the link to the carfax report and craigslist ad. Thank you for your help.
First sorry for the delayed answer as I been away for a few days and forgot to check the on vacation box, lol
Your question is a perfect example why I don't like Carfax as there are to many issues compared to AutoCheck whom is a better service provider , however if claim was not reported it will not show in a history report if the autoshop did not report or owner did not make claim through the Insurance.
I cannot open the links you provided through allexperts, if you like send these links to my e-mail address raypaulsen99@yahoo.com , from past experience I should be able to open.
Buying any vehicle is a series of steps to follow, in your case the 6 1/2 hrs drive along with issues that are not clear would most likely make me stay away from the deal, the word accident repair will be an issue should the time come when you are ready to trade or sell down the road
you hit on this vehicle because of price? and something is not kosher as there are 9 other Camry's listed within 100 miles from sellers zip code all at much higher asking price, I would like for you to study my website http://www.usedcartips.org/ and if you have questionsfeel free to e-mail or for quick answers leave a phone number
