I'm new here and was thinking of buying a 95 F355 GTS the car is missing the front and rear bumpers and one headlight. What do you guys think of buying a accidented car???? Thanks Will
Get a Carfax on the car, dig up as much documanted history on your own about the car, get as much info as you can about the accident(s), pay a reputable bodyshop owner to inspect all the damage and quote you a repair price, get a second opinion, pay a mechanic to do a PPI, figure out a good purchase price, make an offer. -Billy
Ditto! If the car doesn't have irreparable frame damage, an accidented car may be a relatively inexpensive way to get into a 355.
Most likely there is more hidden damage. If it was as simple as two new bumpers (which cost about $3k each btw) and a headlight bucket ($2k?) it would have been fixed already. There is probably more to it than that. After all, why did he not have his insurance fix it? I would guess at minimum this is a $10k fix. Probably more, a lot more.
Most likely rear ended and hit the car in front. What does the exhuast system look like? I would be weary . PPI big time and then some. I would of paid the insurance decut and had it fixed myself. Something is up IMO.
Is this an insurance salvage car? No matter, all of the previous advice from the 'Brotherhood' is great. That 'Carfax' report will hopefully disclose any major issues along with a thorough inspection and PPI. What's scary is that it sounds like a sandwich job hammered on both ends......be cautious and do your homework. If it checks out OK you are probably in the drivers seat as far as making an offer.
No fear for cosmetic damage - my last 3 cars (911, M3, S4) all had run-ins with other cars under my care but all were light, cosmetic damage. Even pros couldn't tell the work had been done. As hard as we try, "stuff" just happens. But as noted above, I'd be afraid of rear sub-frame damage (and possibly engine/electrical gear) if the car was hit from behind and pushed into another car. Especially with the clutch out back, anything hitting that could easily push stuff internally into the tranny/engine. A very thorough exam from an expert is definitely in order. I wrecked a car that had frame damage and it was never right after.
Remember that if the damage is great or if this is a salvage car, you are probably going to be keeping it for a long time. That's no problem if it's what you want. The resale may be a challenge.
Can you post some pictures of the car? It would be easier to estimate the damage then. If you decide not to buy it please let me know. I myself am always looking for parts for my 99 F1 GTS project!
I would highly advise strictly following the above advise, the surprises you may find otherwise will be very hard to live with. If the car has been sitting un-fixed for a long time you will have to do a very detailed major service which will cost you more then an average major service. Good luck and keep us posted but don't rush into this.
wait to buy a car that hasn't been majorly hit, this sounds like a huge headache. I'm no mechanic, but these cars are meant to be driven fast, but only when everything is in order. I would imagine that taking a corner at 120mph in a car that is even slightly cock-eyed would not be a good idea.
