Buy a CPO car that HAD rear end damage but fixed? (vehicle, 2009)

[christianstad]

The dealer said that the car had not been in an accident but had received rear end damage in another way (didn't know how.) It has been completely checked out and repaired by the dealer, thus winning its certified condition label.


Oh, one more thing. The Carfax reported just some scratches on the bumper but the dealer said it was, also, out of alignment when they got it so they repaired that, too.


We're thinking its possible that, as the car came from New Jersey, it might have been damaged in transit.


What do you think? Its a highly regarded city dealer per Yelp (4 stars) but sure wish the car hadn't been damaged at all. We really like it - just what we've been looking for - for quite a while!!


Thanks for your input!!

[mascoma]

Is it under book price? I buy salvage title cars for thousands under book and they have all been great.

[ps2cho]

My advice is look at the car VERY carefully. Don’t let the salesman distract you, take your time. Look at EVERY body line and panel - bring a flashlight. Shine it on each panel and ensure all points line up between each side, including with the hood open.

Ask for receipts for the repair so you know what was damaged and repaired. If they don’t give you this walk away.

[iamweasel]

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Ask for receipts for the repair so you know what was damaged and repaired. If they don’t give you this walk away.

Ding Ding Ding we have a winner!

[notnamed]

Have a 3rd party inspect it. How long do you plan to keep it? Recognize when it's your turn to sell people will have the same question.

[Snowpacked]

Don’t be fooled by the “certified” label. It’s a marketing strategy only. It does not mean the vehicle does not have problems.

[turf3]

Things can show up years later. I have a 10 year old Toyota that was hit pretty hard when a year old. The rear quarter panel had to be replaced. Now, the entire car is rust free except for the area where the new panel was welded in; they used Bondo to smooth it out and Bondo absorbs moisture.

[JWG223]

Originally Posted by Snowpacked

Don’t be fooled by the “certified” label. It’s a marketing strategy only. It does not mean the vehicle does not have problems.

It DOES mean that it has a massive warranty to deal with them, though.

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by JWG223

It DOES mean that it has a massive warranty to deal with them, though.

Warranty won’t do anything about poor exterior repairs related to the rear end damage

[NC211]

Don’t.

I did this once too - my CPO 2007 VW GTI in 2009. After the CPO wore off and went trade - it was treated as if a battleship was dropped on it. Even though it was nothing but a broken rear window done in Detroit during Halloween in 2007 and a police report was filed (vandalism). Someone tossed a rock at the glass. Didn’t matter once time to trade it in (for another GTI a new one this time). Car fax entry gave dealerships way too much leverage in the process. Won’t ever do it again.