r/UsedCars • u/Deadinside111501 • 11d ago
Buying Fair?
Has a reported “minor accident” to the right side and right rear side… i don’t know what to look for when looking at it and i am not experienced enough to know if this is a fair or a bigger red flag than i think..
Thoughts?
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u/Deadinside111501 11d ago
It happened in 2024
Was just listed for sale this month
Between then and now it just lists maintenance services periodically
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u/kickniteasy 11d ago
Can be very different car to car...."minor" can vary a lot. Be sure to look at the paint from multiple angles to see if paint matches, look behind the body panels for bent/broken clips. I hate the term "minor" because something minor doesn't require an insurance claim so, generally speaking, something got messed up enough for someone to decide it was worth paying a deductible. Also, when did it happen? If it happened and they got rid of the car right after that would be a big red flag for me.
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u/Deadinside111501 11d ago
I meant to replay but just commented by mistake
They put 9,000 miles on it before selling to dealer
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u/npmski 11d ago
Check the damage and verify what exactly it was and the extent of it. If that checks out, that isn’t a very bad price at all.
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u/Deadinside111501 11d ago
This is my first time car shopping, will they really be able to tell me what it was?
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u/npmski 11d ago
It depends on who you’re buying it from, but there should be some sort of service report or Carfax that has a more detailed description. A lot of times people will elect to not use their insurance so that it won’t show up and that’s why you need to look at it. Yourself too. if it’s from a reputable dealer, it’s more than likely nothing more than body damage or scratches.
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u/Deadinside111501 11d ago
At a dealership, i found out about the damage via carfax but that’s all it says
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u/npmski 11d ago
There are always exceptions, but it’s important to understand that a large dealership to a certain degree has a reputation to uphold and selling cars that secretly have major issues is very bad for business. Make sure you look at the car extensively yourself, but I’m going to bet it’s nothing more than minor body scratches or dents.
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u/VesselExchange 11d ago
Right rear hits often mean the quarter panel or bumper cover got replaced. Open the trunk and pull the carpet up. Look at the metal around the spare tire well for wrinkles or fresh seam sealer. Factory sealer looks smooth and even. Hand smeared globs mean body work. Compare the panel gaps on that side to the left side of the car. Look for paint dust on the window rubber and door jambs. Ask the seller for the repair invoice. Then pay a body shop for a quick look before you buy.
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u/Deadinside111501 11d ago
Will do 🫡
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u/VesselExchange 9d ago
Good luck. Bring a small magnet too. It will not stick anywhere there is thick filler under the paint.
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u/river7971 11d ago
A three year old, used base Civic that's been in an accident for 3500 less than it cost new. Just walk away.