Accident on Carfax of PIP I have been considering

Trying to divorce myself from the immediate gut reaction to say "Just Don't Do It".

I'd say, I'm not sure how you could confirm the severity of the accident. I'm not sure if you could legally obtain past insurance reports or Police incident reports.

Because it was in that accident, and purchased at auction, that's why you are getting that buy in price for a PiP with those low miles.
But of course the opposite side of the sword is there....you would be taking the risk of buying a vehicle you KNOW was in an accident, and has that reported in it's history.

I actually think the best thing to do, would be have a body shop take a look at it. A skilled estimator, should be able to take a look and ascertain how much work it appears has been done.

I'd be suspicious of the dealer making the casual claim that there "must not of been any structural damage because...." simply because they are trying to sell the vehicle, and it really is a situation for them where what they don't know doesn't hurt them....but it could hurt you.

Regardless of what you do, it's always going to have that accident in it's reported history. And if you plan to sell it in a few years? I don't know if I would expect it to hold it's value very well in relationship to a vehicle with similar miles and age, without that reported accident.

But the idea of trying to obtain Insurance or Police reports isn't bad. Just don't know how possible. If you could somehow find out where and who did the body work? What exactly they did in repair might be obtainable.

 

i don't know of any way. try putting the vin number into the toyota owners site?

 

I second having an independent body shop look at it. It would only take them a few minutes to tell you whether is was minor or major damage.

 

if you really want "clearance", find one as private party sale, much more wiggle room for negotiation.
IMHO, color selection is a major issue in florida if you plan to keep the car in sun for any length of time.
but coming back to the accident, it could be something minor or it could be a roll over. bring someone who knows about body repair to inspect the car. there no such thing as perfect repair.

 

Get a quote from your insurance company & ask about it.

 

i would describe it as perfect, especially in jan., feb., and march!

 

The worst case scenario would be if something expensive broke on the hybrid system, and then Toyota refused to cover cost on the basis of accident. This seems a little non-Toyota attitude, but we've heard some stories that FL Toyota division is not as nice as the rest of Toyota.

 

Unless you buy "their" Southeast Region warranty.

 

The one with less worry would always a better choice, good luck with the purchase and congrats in advance.

 

Hi JJB
Did you buy your Prius yet? I am thinking of checking Evo Motors in Seffner FL given their selection.

 

Do you know where the accident took place? You should be able to go to the local DMV and pull the accident record. Costs $5 to do here in MN... but you have to do it in the state where it took place.

 

ok JJ Buckley, appreciate the feedback. I am days from getting my prius v, need the space for my surfboard. This chat site has ben so useful!