Carfax says “structural damage”

Red CB1100F Joined: Jul 19, 2010 Posts: 6063 Location: Ct

Looking around at Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Carfax report on one at dealer says “structural damage” which is defined as frame damage. The vehicle was driven for another year after the reported damage. Tires look halfway, even wear etc. I’m sure the frame has to be straight to be on big dealer lot. I’m gonna pass on it, but just curious on people’s experience or if in the industry, options. Thanx Cool

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 4:29 pm

Certain things I pass. Frame bent is one of them. Never quite steers straight afterwards or something is perpetually out of alignment (drive shaft, front end, etc.).

Red CB1100F Joined: Jul 19, 2010 Posts: 6063 Location: Ct

Yes, just spoke with a buddy who owns shop. Said plenty to choose from, avoid structural damage on carfax, no bueno Cool

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 5:19 pm

Unless you are getting an obvious low mileage just off lease vehicle at the dealer, I WOULD NEVER BUY ANY USED CAR OFF A LOT...

When I buy something, my observations on the owner and how it was used are critically important info to have in making a decision.

You can do a carfax , and you can also look them in the eye and ask about accidents and prior damage....

The average craigslist guy isn't buying a flood car at auction and selling it for profit......

Maybe it's just my own pre conceived prejudices ,but used car salesman have a shady reputation for a reason...

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 6:00 pm

ctluba wrote:

Looking around at Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Carfax report on one at dealer says “structural damage” which is defined as frame damage. The vehicle was driven for another year after the reported damage. Tires look halfway, even wear etc. I’m sure the frame has to be straight to be on big dealer lot. I’m gonna pass on it, but just curious on people’s experience or if in the industry, options. Thanx Cool

Not necessarily, once wrecked & deemed a total loss, the insurance will have the vehicle auctioned as salvage, from there it will go to the highest bidder(rebuilder/dismantler license) and that party is taking a gamble on the damage not being as bad as pictured online. Sometimes, qualified or not they will fix the damages themselves, either cutting corners or doing it properly, and then they have the vehicle inspected by the state DOT that will issue a *rebuilt title* if everything seems fine(some inspectors are more thorough than others) and the vehicle is up for sale at a discount because of it's rebuilt title status. Alternatively, if the damages are too severe/expensive upon arrival from auction, they may decide to part it out or turn around and stick it to someone else as "mechanic/bodyman's special", hoping that their initial judgement is rather optimistic.
Moral of the story, unless you/someone you know rebuilt/repaired the damages(and knows what they're doing) You're taking a gamble on salvage/rebuilt title vehicles, whether buying directly from rebuilding party, or whomever that vehicle has passed on to, including stealerships. Stealerships *barely* stand by new-from-the-factory cars that roll off the lot, let alone second hand/used vehicles

I myself whenever looking at a rebuilt title vehicle(if I absolutely have to) Will ask for pictures of the damage prior to being repaired. Sometimes insurance companies will deem a fender bender as a total loss depending on the adjuster's estimate, which again, may or may not be accurate depending on their knowledge/experience. I'd say it's only a good idea when you know body panels/lights will make the car whole, preferably if airbags don't deploy.

Happy hunting!

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 7:28 pm

Having been on the wrong end of a car fax report I realize they are not necessarily accurate. I had a Dodge Durango that was hit just in front of the rear wheel at very low speed but bent the wheel arch a little. The repair shop quoted replacing the body side, $14k. Car was repaired and insurance paid up. Upon later inspecting the work myself I discovered that the shop had just cut out and welded back in a small section around the wheel arch. So they got a fat pay off and I’m left with a car that apparently had major surgery according to car fax. Which of course lowers the value that insurance does not compensate you for.

I think I agree with the comments people have made above. Look the owner in the eye and ask for pics prior to the repair otherwise you really have no idea what may or may not have been done.