Looking to Buy a Pathfinder found a wreck

[Guest Fatdaddys]

There is a body shop in town with a 03 LE 15k

miles. I know the body shop owner. Have bought from him before. Does good work. It is a big shop he has had this covered for 2 years just getting to it.

 

This was left side damage, took out left wheel & both doors. No engine damage. I saw the before pictures

Man says there was no frame damage. This was a local car with dealer logo on. I tracked to the dealer, a young girl had the wreck which was bought new.

 

It is about finished, Shop man tells me take it to any front end shop anywhere for check. Take to Memphis he backs his work.

 

This has a totaled out title. This is for my daughter who is in college. This will be her last car from me and will last he forever..

 

He first said 15K later said will be cheaper.

I'm thinking heavy on this one. Give me your thoughts.. 15 is to high for a total out title.

Give me your thoughts on this one.

Thanks

[Slick]

i would have the frame checked, and also the rear axle assembly for any damage, especially if the accident took out the wheel, it must've got a good hit, which, in turn could have damaged the axle somewhere.

get the frame checked, if it's bent at all, it will be horrible to drive, and if it's for your daughter, you want her safe as possible i imagine.

:contract:

[zonianbrat]

Personally, I think you could find a better deal if you shopped around. Just my .02

[vengeful]

$15k is high, but for an 03 LE, it's not terribly off.

 

I paid $15k for my 99SE in 02 (holy crap I've had it for 4.5 years!) with 30k miles on it. It was perfect in every sense of the word. Clear title, no accident history. Meticulous maintenance record, etc etc. BB Retail was $23k when I bought it.

 

Since the shop is letting you take it to have it checked out, bring it to the best body shop within 100 miles (other than the one that did the work), and have them check for any sort of hidden damage. At 15k miles, you won't have to deal with any sort of mechanical issues. It's young enough that even if it was neglected, any permanent damage that was done is minimal.

 

If everything checks out, I'd start the negotiations at $12,000. Though, he said he'd probably go cheaper than the original $15k. Find out his best offer, and determine a reasonable counter offer that is lower than what you really want to pay for it, but will get you what you want to pay. It's essentially a Rebuilt vehicle, correct? The NADA Trade-In value is $18,500 with those low miles. If it was properly fixed, there will be no difference in driveability than with a non-wrecked one.

[Pezzy]

Man says there was no frame damage.

Hard to damage something that doesnt exist.

[Simon]

Good point Pezzy.