Determining value of car in accident
 

How do you determine how much should be deducted from the value of a car that has been in an accident? Looking at a mid-80s 911 that was hit in rear had a rear bumper and tail light assembly replaced and lid and rear quarter painted. Receipts show No mechanical damage and I cannot tell it was damaged. Drives normal. A few thousand off maybe?

Need to have car inspected then determine.

If there is no problem as the seller I would not expect any discount to apply. I would sell at market price.

As a buyer if it bothered me but needed no further repair I would walk.

IMO, Someone paid to fix it properly why should there be a further discount? It is a twenty plus year old car and many have been repaired. The market rewards original cars and discounts cars accordingly.

Let me ask you this: you have two identical cars in front of you I every way, but one has been in an accident, the other hasn't. Can't tell, but it's on the carfax. Which would you buy? My guess is you will choose the clean carfax. How much of a difference would you need to buy the one that had been in an accident?

Red,
You're too logical. These are cars we're talking about. Logic doesn't come into the equation.

I would buy whichever one was better priced, but I'm not going to assume that the one with an accident history will be that car.

My limonen gelb '86 Carrera was in a minor accident. The gentleman I got it from decided to replace the whole left rear quarter panel. The damage wasn't even bad enough to cut the tire. But he considered there one right way to fix it. Used OEM sheetmetal to do it. The only reason most people can tell it was done is because the replacement welds are cleaner than the factory welds. Otherwise, you would never know unless you were told. I wouldn't ask for any discount on the car and if I ever sell it there will be no discount. Much too rare of a color with a bunch of rare options to negotiate around the "accident".

These are thirty plus year old cars they are going to have issues and problems, if you are uncomfortable move on to the next car. There is always another car. Based on you above description buy the one you like but you are unlikely to receive a significant discount.

To me it comes down to expectation and livability. If you expect to find a 20+ year old car without accident, then look for that car. Don't look for one with repaired damage and expect a discount. It sounds like you are buying a "price" and not a car.

Personally, it would bother me to no end buying a car with accident history. So much so that there might not be a reasonable price discount.

Pre-Carfax cars have to be evaluated on their condition. I have seen more than a few with prior accident repair -- but whose previous owners believed there was no accident history.

I have also seen 'clean Carfax' cars with extensive prior damage.

Buying any used car is an exercise in forensics.

To the original post: a rear impact can skew the car behind the wheels. The engine lid fit is going to be a dead giveaway. That kind of a hit often 'closes the gap' from the door to the quarter panel. Look for paint touch up on the upper rear door edge. An impact that doesn't slap the door is less serious.

BINGO..... If it bothers you walk......


MY 73T hotrod had extensive bodywork, suspension work and motor swap with a salvage title.... sold for $7x,xxx ..... its history prior to my ownership was irrelevant...... the car was beautiful......