bebadman

Hello Guys,

I currently have a 2006 GS300 and have loved it over the years despite it not always loving me back lol.

I really want to upgrade to a 2013 model and have spotted a damaged repaired model GS450h quite cheap due to it being a CAT-D (Insurance have paid out on the car). The car has been fully repaired and looks like new. Only has 22,000 miles. The garage selling does not have any information with regards to the damage and how severe it was as they bought it at auction. (someone obviously bought it from the insurance company then did the repairs and sent it off for auction)

I drove it today and it drives excellent. I looked as much as I could and did notice a little paint on the front right wing under the bonnet where it was replaced but looks like its been done well. It has definitely had a repair on the passenger side front but looks good. I just wish they knew who did the repairs and some pictures!! The lack of that information is making me question the purchase.

My question is do you guys think this would be a good buy (£5000 less than non damaged repaired) Is there anything I should be looking out for? Could anyone send me some pics of the engine bay in their 2013 450h so I can compare?

Any advice would be great chaps!

rijc99

So it has a salvaged title correct? Do a carfax check. It should tell you some details of the accident.

How long do you plan to keep the car? Your resale options will be limited due to the branded title.

bebadman

Hello,

I am from the UK so there is very little information I can get on the cars history other than I know it has been paid out on an insurance policy. (Cat D) It does not mean the car was damaged beyond the value of the vehicle apparently. I spoke to another garage and those guys told me that Insurance companies factor in vehicle storage/repairs/cost of alternative hire of vehicle whilst repairs are carried out etc. Leading them to pay off the customer and sell the car for salvage. Weird but apparently true (google confirms this lol)

I will keep the car till it breaks!! My current 2006 GS300 has nearly 200,000 miles so time for a new one.

Mike728

Man, that thing got really screwed up! The steering wheel is on the wrong side, now!

I would stay away, unless you find more info.

bebadman

Lol. I know I should stay away from it really but its such a good price and does drive really well. The owner of the garage has been driving it since he got it and put 2000 miles on the car without fault. I really want it, but as my old man used to say "if it sounds to good to be true then it usally is" Looks like i might have to keep saving my pennies for a while then :-(

peteharvey

Better off just finding the other 5,000 pounds, if possible.
Not worth it; you get what you pay for.

bclexus

Only £5000 less? Forget it and don't look back...

ItzFilyO

Yea it got hit so hard that the steering wheel shifted to the right. Better stay away from it and buy new or non-salvaged used.

hube

Have patience and buy exactly what you want a year from now. So many things can be wrong that are not showing. Imagine the suspension.....that can set you back more that the price difference. Also being a hybrid, more things can go wrong.

If you have enough funds to take this risk and take it in as a second or third car, go for it. But if it takes most of your budget and is your primary car, it is just a damn big risk.

Voogru

Google the vin number. A lot of times you will find the car listed on some old salvage site and they will have pictures of the damage.

1fuzzybk

13 GS 450h<br/>It looks like that car is missing the Sport+ variable socks. See the black cones one the top of the strut towers with the wire harness's. <br/>If I'm not mistaken all GSh's come with it. Maybe the ones over there don't. One way to tell would be to watch the Nav screen and see when changing from sport to sport+ if the display shows socks being adjusted.

shurik74

iTrader: (5)

+1 Only £5000 cheaper, not worth it... never buy a car with totaled by insurance if you don't know the damage before repair. It could cost you more then £5000 later to keep it up and running.

Sevn86

I would stay away from it. Was your 2006 GS a branded titled car as well? I wouldn't buy anything that has a salvaged title. Just save up a bit more and buy a clean titled vehicle. It's not worth the savings especially if you plan on keeping the car until you drive it into the ground.

jjscsix

Where did he say it has a salvage title? As best as I can tell, all he knows is that it has been in an accident with no knowledge of how bad it was damaged. I think some of you have not read his posts carefully enough.

hube

When insurance pays out on a vehicle, it quite well damaged.