I'd stay away from this like the plague.

 

first off... the damage was described as "hit front right." that could mean anything from a bumper cover being torn off to a complete crush job all the way to the block. without seeing the receipts, i'm not sure how anyone can give absolute advice to avoid it at all costs. the damage COULD have been relatively minor. posts like these incents sellers into NOT disclosing accident information and that forces buyers to rely on carfax, which doesn't always have the goods.

it is up to the buyer to request the information about the damage AND THEN evaluate the auto.

let me throw the same scenario out there with a twist. the same buyer sees the same car at auction for $18,0. the shop that did the work was GOOD, real good. so good that the repair was not evident. many of you would say jump on that car.... it's at a great price.

i will admit that the fact that the original owner "walked away" is not a good indication of the vehicle's condition.

 

W.C. Fileds Auto Sales "Never Give A Sucker An Even Break" is our motto.

 

19k ? I would just add 3k more and get a clean used car.

 

how do you know when you're looking at a "clean used car"? by what the seller says? carfax?

i don't think that there can ever be any assurance that a used car is exactly as it is presented. used cars are a risk. i've had decent luck with them, but the next one... that could be a big fat turd.

 

Save for another month or two and buy yourself a clean used car! my .02

 

Well I know how to look at cars (thru experience 10 yrs looking at used cars, sell em, buy em, etc) if its been wrecked or not, and even that I am still not 100% if I missed something. But then again, at least your narrowing down the possibilites to 100%- wrecked to 20% wrecked 80% clean kinda thing..

And hitting the car from the rear is much much better than the front. If I were to choose (not that I would) buying a car thats been hit from the front, or back I would buy the one thats been hit in the rear. But then again thats just me

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ace10
[B]

how do you know when you're looking at a "clean used car"?

 

i'd never buy a salvage title car either, go with a new clean used model.

 

forsaken-

i totally agree with your preference of a rear vs front wreck. no evidence of any wreck is even better. although some shops do phenominally clean work.