aaron_82

Hi everyone, Im new to the forum and am seeking some advice.
Im from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Im thinking about buying a 1995 Lexus LS400 Black/Grey 82000 kilometers its really mint. The thing that bugs me is that it was involoved in an accident with the repair costs coming to $9000. The car looks as though it has been repaired properly as nothin looks out of place.

Should I worry about the $9000 accident? It was the right rear quarter panel and the front left bumper, headlight, fender. Prices are in Canadian Dollars.

The purchase price is $17000 (CAD)

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Rear accidents arent as bad as front ones. So if was just the rear, i wouldnt really worry about it. Not sure what happend in the front. I would tripple check that its goes stright, and has even tire wear to aviod future problem, and use this as a bargining chip to get a great deal.

Parts on the LS can be so expensive to repair (not maintenance items, like rear control arms, lighting ballasts, Ecu's, Air bags, and sensors etc), so a 9000 bill isnt that much work. But then again, depending on the nature of the accident, some are better then others.

But then again, I wouldnt pay 17K CAD for it, you can get a 98+ for that much money now a days.

aaron_82

Thanks for the advise...

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I'm not opposed to "slight" body repair but for me, I'd prefer a car that hasn't had a body panel replaced. That said, I'd probably keep looking...there are plenty of them to be found.

If you really like this one...then if possible check the following:

Trunk area for signs of substantial damge/repair. In particular, the well in that rear quarter. When you lift up the trunk liner, there will be a carpeted insert to cover that area. Pull that piece out and inspect it. Also check under the car and see how it looks back there.

If available, alignment specs from the last alignment following the collision. Check the tires for wear. If the seller has put new tires on, all you can do is ask them to relay how the wear was and pray they are up front.

Have the seller drive the car down the street and follow behind to make sure it tracks down the street straight.

ychachad

Most wrecked cars tend to exibit some problem or the other. Most common problems are handling, vibration, or some bias pulling to one side that cannot be fixed by a simple alignment. This is especially true if the frame was bent. Then run like hell away from it. Other problems are panels that rust out because they were simply hammered back into shape and repainted. I'd pass on any car that has been in an accident.