I feel violated...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 5
From: Burnet, TX
I agree on both accounts.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 0
From: Colchester Connecticut
I agree on both accounts.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
My car was invovled in an accident when a SUV backed up over it. Cost 10,000 to fix, all body work three years later not a problem with the car. People put to much into cars being in accidents. Drive the car and you are going to know if it is good or not from the steering to the noises it makes. Buy the car if you like it.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
Don't ask Don't tell. Where have I heard that before??
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I hit a deer in my C4. the only damage was it took off the headlight and cover, (it was dark out) Not a scratch anywhere else. I did disclose it though.
My point is first find out what damage was done and how it was repaired and by who if possible.
yeah he should have disclosed it, especially in this day of ready access to that info.
My point is first find out what damage was done and how it was repaired and by who if possible.
yeah he should have disclosed it, especially in this day of ready access to that info.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,297
Likes: 24,776
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I agree on both accounts.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
I think because it was in an accident, that is not the problem. Accidents happen, he obviously thought it was a good repair and that's what body shops are for.
Secondly is the honesty. The way I read it, you never asked and he never told and it was 8 years ago. If you would of asked him and he flat out lied and then you found it I would walk away.
If you like the car, I would still take it. Maybe work the price down a bit.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
Ask yourself if the accident will bother you. I have experienced people who just never cared as much for the car because it wasnt perfect. I would run away from an accident car period. There are THOUSANDS of that color combo available across the u.s. just find the perfect one fly across states if you have to and drive it back.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,050
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles CA
If he never "lied" about it and the accident was only body related then I don't think it would be a big deal. Plenty of people have had "accidents" and kept their vettes. If a good shop did the work then you should be fine. Maybe offer 1000 less. But if the accident resulted in frame type repair or anything major like that then yes, at least 3000 off or better yet just walk away.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
If it were me, and I was comfortable with the repairs, liked the car, color, etc, I'd buy it. Stuff happens and as long as repairs were done properly, just drive it and enjoy it. You could hit a deer on the way home from the purchase
If, however, you really feel violated, don't buy it. You'll never feel good about it. Keep looking and perhaps you'll find the perfect car. Perhaps not.
If, however, you really feel violated, don't buy it. You'll never feel good about it. Keep looking and perhaps you'll find the perfect car. Perhaps not.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,597
Likes: 1,353
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
when you 1st looked at the car, did you ask him if it was ever involved in any accidents? If you did and he said no, then that's a problem... if you didn't ask and he didn't offer, then what's the problem with that? The accident was in '03! That's 8 years ago! 8 YEARS! He was obviously happy with the repair or he wouldn't have kept it this long.... it's not like the accident happened a few months ago and now he's dumping it! He kept it for 8 years after the accident! It's obviosly a good car if he kept it that long! Cars get involved in accidents every day, no big deal.... that's why there's body shops out there!
^ THIS.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 683
Likes: 114
From: Hamilton Ohio
In your OP you didn't say you asked him outright if it was ever damaged. Maybe he was hoping to slide by and complete a sale. (Questionable Honesty) You say it is Pristine in appearance, so maybe the repair was very good. If you can live with it, I don't think it would be a problem.
8 years is a long time, problems would have reared their ugly head by now. Good Luck on your purchase.
8 years is a long time, problems would have reared their ugly head by now. Good Luck on your purchase.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 16
From: Katy Tx
seems like a seller, if there was any doubt, would check the record himself before advertising?.
I think you should inspect the car carefully and make the decision based on condition rather than history. Good repairs do not leave the car weaker.
I think you should inspect the car carefully and make the decision based on condition rather than history. Good repairs do not leave the car weaker.
Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
Likes: 13
From: Winfield IN
After thinking about it more, I too, believe that the seller did nothing wrong if in fact you DIDN'T ever ask him about any prior accidents or body work. If he is not questioned directly about it, why should it be his obligation to inform the buyer? Plus, like everyone else said, he's driven the car for 8 years without any major problems. I would just use your discretion and base your decision on the impression you get from the seller. After all, it is the exact color combination you wanted. But like I said, it is obviously a good bargaining chip on price. Did you drive the car yet?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
The amount of damage sounds pretty little. It probably was repaired fine and not cause any problems. Check the car over carefully and see.
If he lied about it, walk away. It bothers me when things are misrepresented.
Last year I drove 350 miles one way to look at one. The things were obvious and he still talked like he was right. examples "new tires" that were on the car when he bought it 3 years before and were nearly bald. "everything works" but the air conditioning didn't and the headlights didn't open (it was a C4). There were a bunch more too. I know I could fix these things, but it was priced such that I shouldn't have to. I walked away.
If he lied about it, walk away. It bothers me when things are misrepresented.
Last year I drove 350 miles one way to look at one. The things were obvious and he still talked like he was right. examples "new tires" that were on the car when he bought it 3 years before and were nearly bald. "everything works" but the air conditioning didn't and the headlights didn't open (it was a C4). There were a bunch more too. I know I could fix these things, but it was priced such that I shouldn't have to. I walked away.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
I'm on the side if the car is "pristine" and it was 8 yrs ago should be no problem - check out the pics he has of the damage and judge the extent and where to focus inspection.
And as a side note: when I shop for a car, before even going to look at it I get the carfax fun, but again, carfax is not the be all end all.....
And as a side note: when I shop for a car, before even going to look at it I get the carfax fun, but again, carfax is not the be all end all.....
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
Likes: 11
From: Lacombe Louisiana
I'm probably biased since most all my cars come from the salvage auction. I never bought into the mentality that a car is ruined if it has to be fixed. After all, a bunch of assembly line workers stuck it together in the first place.
You say the car is "pristine" So I take it you can't tell what was damaged. Sounds like someone did a really good job. Most any first line paint system will out perform what the factory uses.
I agree to have someone look at it if you don't know what to look for. I wouldn't use one of the comercial services but get someone familiar with working on C5 Corvettes. A reputable bodyshop in the area would be a good place.
I once sold a Jeep Wrangler that had been a total. Lady was buying it for her son. She wanted an inspection and I said sure. So she has me bring it to her tire shop/ inspection station. They put it on a rack, pulled all four wheels to check the brakes, looked around underneath a bit and pronounced it good to go. There was not a thing wrong with the Jeep but I think she wasted her money on the inspection.
Think of it this way. You could get pissed and pass on this one. Then you may end up buying one that was wrecked worse but never reported. Carfax isn't some sort of bible.
You say the car is "pristine" So I take it you can't tell what was damaged. Sounds like someone did a really good job. Most any first line paint system will out perform what the factory uses.
I agree to have someone look at it if you don't know what to look for. I wouldn't use one of the comercial services but get someone familiar with working on C5 Corvettes. A reputable bodyshop in the area would be a good place.
I once sold a Jeep Wrangler that had been a total. Lady was buying it for her son. She wanted an inspection and I said sure. So she has me bring it to her tire shop/ inspection station. They put it on a rack, pulled all four wheels to check the brakes, looked around underneath a bit and pronounced it good to go. There was not a thing wrong with the Jeep but I think she wasted her money on the inspection.
Think of it this way. You could get pissed and pass on this one. Then you may end up buying one that was wrecked worse but never reported. Carfax isn't some sort of bible.
Often cars come out of a good body shop better than they went in.
