AMGan

Hi, first post here. Looking into purchasing a used AMG from a private used car dealer. Dealer took the car in as a tradein and only knows what the carfax says -- that the car was involved in a front end accident of some sort which required repaint of hood and fender, but report doesn't get into how serious the accident was or anything else that was done. Carfax is otherwise clean.

Going to take a look at it tomorrow and would like an independent inspection performed on the car to spot any mechanical/structural damage remaining and to know what mechanical/structural components may have been repaired.

The car is located near Princeton, NJ. Any recommendations for where to take the car for an inspection -- MB dealer, independent mechanic or bodyshop? Thanks for any suggestions!

Lastly, the car was first sold in August 2008. So this means that there's a factory warranty on it until August 2012. Am I correct in thinking that the factory warranty can be extended anytime before August 2012? How much (ballpark estimate) is the extended warranty?

yaymitch

I would be very careful buying a car that has been in an accident. You should be getting this car at an extremely discounted price. If you plan to trade-in or resell in the future, any dealer will be able to tell it has had body work done. Other things to consider would be suspension issues, cooling system and intake issues because of front end collision, etc. Even frame damage potentially. If you get it for cheap it may be worth the risk but if it is slightly less than a clean used one then I would not consider it.

AMGan

Great points, thanks. I'll definitely have to consider all these things. I'm aleady getting more wary just thinking about it. Would an independent inspection be able to reveal suspension issues, cooling system, or frame damage?

It's got 18k miles and is a 2009 with leather, P2, and Multimedia package. Would $40k be a deal on a car like this with a single accident history?

alqamzi

Its not worth $40k.Its likely worth $32k because it had an accident and it kills the car value.If u go to autotrader or cars.com u will find cars from mid $40's to high with clean record.Just my 2cents.

Even Money

NOT worth it, enough cars out there that are carfax free. FYI, i was rear ended several months back, and expect a diminished value claim over 10K. Not enough damage was done to total the car, hence the claim. Any good inspector can tell damage was done to the car, so don't bother.

gsrjc

be very careful with what the dealer tries to sell you as my buddy got a used ML and found out that the engine had been replaced and the dealer did not tell him.

Shellbmb

Run away! Run away!

If this were a Chevy pick-up, then maybe at a steal of a price. But for a high-performance car, not worth it IMO. If you purchased it and if ever something didn't feel quite right, you'll always wonder if its because of the accident.

Any chance they list who did the repair work? I'd be less concerned if it were an accident involving the rear.

RAKLAW

Absolutely stay away from this car. It will be wholesaled for a lot less, and let those folks deal with the unknown issues.
The fact that it isnt at a MB dealer gives you little leverage on problems.

AMGan

Thanks for the reactions everyone. I've passed on this car, not even going to bother looking into it. Guess my zeal for getting a car got the better of my usual judgment On with the search!

Blk04cobra1

Good choice. BTW--you cannot buy more MB warranty if you are not the original owner. The only way you can buy MB (or manufacturer's) warranty is if you buy the car Certified or are the original owner. Good luck with your search.

AMGan

What a bummer

If you purchase a CPO car, can you then extend the standard CPO warranty? (beyond the additional CPO warranty year)?

Thanks.

Blk04cobra1

yes. normally up to 24 months, but no more than 7 years total (from in-service date) or 100k miles.