When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Is it "normal" to have uneven gaps on the hood edges?
Looking at buying an 07 350 but I was looking closely at this picture and it looks like the hood isn't sitting on the car evenly. Notice the gaps are uneven on the sides, and the bottom looks wider at the edges than in the center. Every other photo I've seen of these cars is perfectly straight. Should I be concerned about this?
I always look for uneven gaps in the hood when buying cars. It tells me that it has been replaced at some point due to a accident.
I'm aware that it's been in an accident or 2 based on the carfax and lexus vehicle history report. Do you think that should dissuade me from buying it? I'd have it checked out by a mechanic or lexus dealership prior to purchase, and of course I would point that out so they could look for any damage or concerning items.
I'd rather buy a "cleaner" car but I've been watching the market for months and there just isn't many is 350's that come available in my area for some reason.
That does happen many times when the car has been tampered with. The body shops can't align it perfectly. Leads me to believe it was in a front end accident. Maybe minor if air bags didn't deploy.
The car is 8 years old, if it's priced right and what you want, I wouldn't let the gaps stop you from purchasing the car. Like others have said, body shops don't always align everything perfectly.
I'm aware that it's been in an accident or 2 based on the carfax and lexus vehicle history report. Do you think that should dissuade me from buying it? I'd have it checked out by a mechanic or lexus dealership prior to purchase, and of course I would point that out so they could look for any damage or concerning items.
I'd rather buy a "cleaner" car but I've been watching the market for months and there just isn't many is 350's that come available in my area for some reason.
If it was me, I would pass on this one and wait for a cleaner car. The accident would have had to be pretty significant if they had to replace or straighten the hood. I was in a few minor front end accidents with my 2008 IS350 and the only parts that really needed fixing were the front bumper/grill and headlights.
Wow, I'm impressed with your very good eyes. Very nice detection. I'm going to check my cars to see if it is uneven. My cars have no accident so let's see if they are perfectly straight lol.
That does happen many times when the car has been tampered with. The body shops can't align it perfectly. Leads me to believe it was in a front end accident. Maybe minor if air bags didn't deploy.
The carfax report shows that in 2011 when the car had about 47,000 miles on it:
Accident Reported
It hit a guardrail
Moderate to severe left front damage
Minor left rear damage reported
Airbags did not deploy
In 2009 at about 23,000 miles on it, the Lexus website shows:
Steering wheel main shaft, left front wheel damaged, repair bumper and grill issues, right front tire has gouge in it.
And WAYYY earlier in it's life the customer had a bent wheel, some alignment issues, and even one time drove the car off the lot with unsafe tires after the dealership said it was not OK.
Originally Posted by getafewliv
The car is 8 years old, if it's priced right and what you want, I wouldn't let the gaps stop you from purchasing the car. Like others have said, body shops don't always align everything perfectly.
The car is priced right if it didn't have this history in my opinion. But since it does the price isn't as appealing.
Originally Posted by nixx621
If it was me, I would pass on this one and wait for a cleaner car. The accident would have had to be pretty significant if they had to replace or straighten the hood. I was in a few minor front end accidents with my 2008 IS350 and the only parts that really needed fixing were the front bumper/grill and headlights.
I've been looking for months and these cars are surprisingly rare. Especially in the silver/black color combo I want. I'd take the gray mica but prefer tungsten pearl.
Originally Posted by FSportIS
Wow, I'm impressed with your very good eyes. Very nice detection. I'm going to check my cars to see if it is uneven. My cars have no accident so let's see if they are perfectly straight lol.
Don't let just the fact that odd gapping to lead you away from any certain vehicle; any good body shop can do such adjustments. I had my hood re-sprayed, thus had the hood off of the car. When re-installed the gapping wasn't quite to my liking. I spent my own time re-aligning everything back to spec.
Now about the accidents; I'd pass on it unless it is a "STEAL" of a deal.
The carfax report shows that in 2011 when the car had about 47,000 miles on it:
Accident Reported
It hit a guardrail
Moderate to severe left front damage
Minor left rear damage reported
Airbags did not deploy
In 2009 at about 23,000 miles on it, the Lexus website shows:
Steering wheel main shaft, left front wheel damaged, repair bumper and grill issues, right front tire has gouge in it.
And WAYYY earlier in it's life the customer had a bent wheel, some alignment issues, and even one time drove the car off the lot with unsafe tires after the dealership said it was not OK.
.
I would not get it regardless what price for this car unless it is free. This car seems to be in very bad shape and the owner doesn't seem to give a **** about it lol.
01-13-15, 10:38 PM
Is it "normal" to have uneven gaps on the hood edges?
