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
Organizations belong to Automotive related. happy to say finally none. retired
Expert: Ray Paulsen Date: 8/1/2005 Subject: Buying car private party-has it been in an accident?
Question My friend is buying a car from a private party in Massapequa, NY. The seller is taking almost $3000 less than blue book value for the 2005 Acura RSX type S with less than 3000 miles on it. He claims he is selling it because he got a company car and does not use the Acura enough to warrant keeping it. Carfax says that it has not been in any accidents. Is there any other way for a novice to look at a car and tell if body work has been done? Do you have any other suggestions to gain peace of mind that this car has not been in a serious accident? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Answer Hi stephanie
I really like your Q...Most people will go Carfax pay the fee and be satisfied...your digging a little more and i like that... as Carfax is not 100% in my mind... as i have proven them wrong many times in the past, its a money machine on the internet...
Take the vehicle to a body shop...pay for an inspection...they will really know if any accidents have been...If the seller wont allow you taking the vehicle, you must walk away
I dont like the fact its a private sale from what information i got from you...
Go to my website http://usedcartips.bravehost.com/ click on DID YOU KNOW and scroll down to buying private VS dealer and at same time click on has this car been in an accident
