I'm looking at well-priced 2004 prius that's listed as in good condition at 31K. However, the pricing reflects the fact that the vehicle was in a rear-end collision. Given the battery placement, etc. is this a deterrent?
I tend to suggest "run away screaming." It's hard to say, though, because I'm not there to look at the car. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Seriously, I'm skeptical of any unibody car that's been in a serious collision. In my experience, they are never quite the same.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Dec 2 2006, 11:09 AM) [snapback]356681[/snapback]</div> A lot of assumptions being made here- just because a car was rear ended does not mean it has been ruined forever. Ask for pictures and a copy of the repair estimate to see for yourself the extent of the accident damage. If not available take the car to a Toyota dealer for a pre-purchase inspection and ask then to specifically check the rear structural integrity of the car as well as the batttery pack. If this is not going to be a "show car" then who cares if it got hit so long as it was repaired correctly.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cairo94507 @ Dec 2 2006, 11:32 AM) [snapback]356687[/snapback]</div> Well, I did say it was hard to say without seeing the car. That inspection's a good idea, but I'd still be very skeptical. You might want to check CARFAX or similar on it, too. Good luck!
how long ago was the accident? has it driven fine for months since the accident, or was this a recent thing and the car hasn't been driven since?
I also believe you should see a written report of what was repaired. Was the frame bent? streightened? are the tires worn in an irregular pattern? You never can tell with a wrecked vehicle, so be very, VERY careful. Ask lots and lots of questions. Regard any hesitation whatsoever in supplying you with answers as a red flag and do not purchase this vehicle...... :blink:
I would ask the questions that galaxee mentioned, and have an inspection done. Also, check to see if the title is a salvage/rebuilt title, which might be harder to insure or cost more and be harder to collect on if you would later have an accident. It would probably also void any warranty. What others have said are good points too.
Personally, I would not buy a car that I knew had been in an accident of any sort. Some people pay a thousand dollars for an extended warranty, due to the perceived risk of something going wrong with a Toyota. I would consider the risk of problems after an accident to be much greater. But the battery would not be my main concern, as it is well forward of the rear end of the car, and it should be easy to detect damage to it. Of course, if the only way you can afford a Prius is to accept the deep discount on an accident car, then you have to assess the risks for yourself. Remember, though, that a discounted price means the seller believes the car is worth less, and that suggests known damage. Otherwise, why would the seller not keep the car? The seller is taking a loss, and that suggests the seller has a reason. Just my thoughts.
