Buying a damaged vehicle

[burnin_vernon]

Considering an 07 pickup that has been rolled and suffered $8000 damage, much to the roof. All been repaired and provincially safety inspected with documents to verify.

The price is obviously cheap but I wondered what kind of problems I would encounter with something as structurally important as a roof. The only thing I would know to look for is a leak.

I know resale will be a problem but Rangers seem to depreciate so much anyways, if I keep it for a few years, it won't be as much a factor.

Any autobody experience out there? Run away quickly, or worth taking a look at?

[You Need a Thneed]

I'm no expert, but I think you answered your own question. If you are ever looking to sell it again, you'll probobly get less, but there's no reason why the vehicle should be unsafe, if it's been repaired properly.

[Draug]

Check out the body shop that did the work. Make sure they arent the kind of place that will cut corners. A serious concern for me would be rust coming from hidden areas and eating away at the truck from the inside out.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Get the carfax and see how it's classified. If it's considered a rebuild it will definitely be hard to resell and not worth much.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by Draug

Check out the body shop that did the work. Make sure they arent the kind of place that will cut corners. A serious concern for me would be rust coming from hidden areas and eating away at the truck from the inside out.

From the inside out? I have a 98 Ranger...

[burnin_vernon]

Originally Posted by Draug

Check out the body shop that did the work. Make sure they arent the kind of place that will cut corners. A serious concern for me would be rust coming from hidden areas and eating away at the truck from the inside out.

That is something I never thought of. Thanks for the tip.

[burn_this_city]

Make sure its not listed as salvage at the registry. It makes it incredibly hard to sell when its listed that way. Also if they used a lot of filler it could rust in a few years.

[iggypop]

My biggest concern would be the doors. After it was in a roll over and the roof bent the doors they will never work perfectly again. I'd inspect them very closely and test drive it on the highway to insure there isn't any noise because of seals not being perfect. Personally I don't think I would ever buy a salvaged vehicle, but that's up to you. Just make sure you are getting a very very good price and your planning to drive it into the ground. Make sure your in the mindset you will never sell this vehicle in the future before you commit.