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Carfax Minor Damage?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by cdogstu99, Jan 23, 2017.

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  1. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    Would you guys buy a 2013 Prius which is clean overall but is noted on the Carfax as having been in a minor accident? Noted as 'right rear impact'. It's CPO and has less than 40K for ~$13K.

    The other bargain special i'm looking at is a NYC rental (eek) but it's a 2015 Trim 2 with 35K miles for about $500 bucks more than the CPO.

    Being a value investor is tough. I feel with the amount of time i've wasted looking for deals, i should have been driving around in a new prius by now!
     
    #1 cdogstu99, Jan 23, 2017
  2. CNYhybrid

    CNYhybrid Member

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    No to the rental and check the damage to the 2013. With what an accident lowers the value $13K is fair but not great unless it's a high trim.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 CNYhybrid, Jan 23, 2017
  3. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    Thanks --yeah the accident/CPO car is only a Trim 3.....in Boston--where i live, that's actually a bargain it seems like. And from what I can tell the CPO tag is adding an extra $1500 to $2000 to the average price.
     
    #3 cdogstu99, Jan 23, 2017
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Is there any more info, dollar value of the repair for example. I had a left rear impact that was quite severe, but the car was totally restored, brand-new rear beam, very good paint, a bodyshop we always use. Cost was around $7K IIRC.

    But who knows, look it over carefully: inside the wheel well, feel with your fingers, check the suspension pieces and cross beam, test drive and listen.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 23, 2017
  5. ZeroTX

    ZeroTX Junior Member

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    That is an ok price for a car with a clean Carfax. I would personally cut the value by 20% for a minor accident that shows up in Carfax. It means metal work was done. They don't flag Carfax for minor cosmetic paint repairs (e.g. repaint a scratched up bumper and such). If it's been in a frame machine, which is a fine way to repair it, it still brings down the value permanently. Great for getting a bargain, but I'd offer 11 or 12k.
     
    #5 ZeroTX, Jan 24, 2017
  6. misterrunon

    misterrunon New Member

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    You can get a better deal. I bought a late 2013 model (the 2) with 25k miles for $12,600 before taxes. I've seen the Prius 3 with 30k miles go for $13,600 on eBay as well.

    I also don't see the need to get a certified pre-owned car if it has such low mileage. The "dealer" that I bought it from took it from auction (from lease) straight to his "lot" without inspecting or modifying the vehicle, which was why the cost was so low.
     
    #6 misterrunon, Jan 24, 2017
  7. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    Lot harder than it seems...everything i see in that range is either a rental or has been in accident, or is being sold by an nonreputable dealer.
     
    #7 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  8. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Minor accident? Sure.
    Previous Rental? No way, no day.
     
    #8 ETC(SS), Jan 24, 2017
  9. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    How about a 2012 Trim 3 with 45K miles for $9500? (Private Party) But also just noticed the carfax says corporate vehicle.

    Last question on this--Carfax isn't showing any maintenance records -- is this abnormal?
     
    #9 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds good to me!(y)
     
    #10 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  11. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    check my last edits--noted as 'corporate car'...always something i guess
     
    #11 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ya, i don't know what that means. lease? business? taxi?
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  13. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    just spoke to the gentleman and he has a business (with another partner) and they are the only ones to drive it. not a rental business or anything like that according to him. says he has all maintenance records and two sets of tires. $9500. HMMM
     
    #13 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  14. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I looked up this CarFax: is it the case you have to plug in $30~40 to see a vehicle's history? Or is there a backdoor?
     
    #14 Mendel Leisk, Jan 24, 2017
  15. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    Hmm---what's that? Yes i paid for a copy of the CARFAX.
     
    #15 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sounds reasonable. there isn't that much maintenance at 45,000. 4 oil changes, 3 cabin and 2 air filters. some inspections and tire rotations.

    when you test drive, reset one of the trip meters, take a 20 mile drive under varied conditions, and check the mpg's at the end.
     
    #16 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  17. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    Ah ok thanks for this advice. Should it be right around 48-50mpg? And if it isn't what would be reason--bad battery?

    Anything else to keep an eye out for?
     
    #17 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    unlikely. what are you averaging on your 'o4?
     
    #18 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
  19. cdogstu99

    cdogstu99 Junior Member

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    At last check about 18mpg. And that's at 93 octane. To say I'll be saving on gas would bean understatement.
     
    #19 cdogstu99, Jan 24, 2017
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    18?o_O prius?
     
    #20 bisco, Jan 24, 2017
    Raytheeagle likes this.
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