Structural Damage on CarFax (1 Viewer)

[up5799]

Saw a 200 cruiser I liked very much today. Dealer offered Auto Check which reported two accidents, but not CarFax. Ran Carfax on my own at home and Carfax reported a third accident, this one with "structural damage," and a big red exclamation point.

Should I be concerned, Ok better question, how concerned should I be?

 

[Markuson]

Saw a 200 cruiser I liked very much today. Dealer offered Auto Check which reported two accidents, but not CarFax. Ran Carfax on my own at home and Carfax reported a third accident, this one with "structural damage," and a big red exclamation point.

Should I be concerned, Ok better question, how concerned should I be?

How Concerned?
Like...run-away concerned.

99.99% certain that dealer deliberately avoided showing you the carfax. Even if you think it might be OK...I would not give that dealer my business. Shady.

 

[Whiskerz]

A bigger question is how did Autocheck miss this accident ? Was his copy doctored ?

 

[KLF]

I wouldn't be concerned at all. Because I would just say NOPE and keep looking. That's a deal breaker.

 

[Madtiger]

One accident is enough for you to run away......THREE ACCIDENTS and structural damage.....and you’re still considering?!

You take Land Cruiser enthusiasm to the next level if you buy this one.

 

[ranma21]

That means the frame is compromised and usually totalled when frame damage is involved.

 

[04UZJ100]

I will never buy a car that has an accident reported. PERIOD.

 

[Docboy]

This cruiser (er... the driver) is cursed. 3 accidents???

Can you share the link for said vehicle?

 

[up5799]

I found it on Cars.com. It is being sold by a Toyota dealer in Huntington, NY. The manager told me he is ordering a frame inspection by a third party and will have the results next Wednesday.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

IMHO structural damage = walk away.

Having had a couple of vehicles with previously repaired reasonably significant damage (we don't have a system as comprehensive as Carfax over here so this is based on thorough inspection) they will never drive quite right again, not worth it when you can find a clean example without too much difficulty.

 

[lasalsa]

Really, structural damage is an accident that happened in a section of the vehicle that can't just be repaired with a fender removal/replacement.

Most vehicles nowadays are built on a unibody that incorporates many frame parts, and accidents in those areas usually dictate whether a vehicle has structural/frame damage. At times, it can be as simple as sheet metal in those areas, and at times, it can be a paper ball straightened up and ironed back up again.

I've bought many vehicles with structural damage for my clients, which upon further inspection and damage investigation pictures, only were minor, but because Carfax and CPO Consignors have to stand by and guarantee some of these vehicles, it all has to be reported.

PM me if you need help looking for the LC200, I have a great source for trade-ins and off lease ones.

 

[supdizzle]

I had a 100 series that had the same thing, but no major structural issues were found in a paid inspection. Ran great for 5 years before I sold it to someone else that did the same thing and it came out fine. I would for sure stay away from a rebranded title etc... but carfax doesn't know exactly what the damage was.

 

[whitef]

Carfax and Autocheck are loaded with inaccuracies and missing data. While it’s nice to have it, and the data quality is improving as time goes on, neither are the Gospel truth as to the history of a vehicle.

A through inspection is always best. Hard to run from a magnet and paint meter in the hands of an expert.

 

[NCMTNS]

Run Forest Run!

 

[Madtiger]

Finally found the LC that up5799 was looking at! Not too bad.

A 4th accident would easily knock the alignment back.

 

[desmocruiser]

Certainly an inspection and as much conclusive investigation as possible, accident/repair pictures statements etc. to even consider along with a reduction in price. These reports aren’t always 100% accurate, occasionally use accident officer report notes and other subjective information.

Most franchise dealerships will not retail a vehicle with this type of accident on the history report which will impact the value.

Good luck! You must really like this one!