Should I buy a hail damaged vehicle?

[gladaki]

My 1998 Nissan will give up soon, so I am thinking of replacing it with new Nisaan Rogue or Rav 4.

Summer hail storms had a pretty big one roll through North Calgary this year. I am expecting few of hail sales pop up around town in coming days. So wondering what you guys think about buying hail damage vehicle and usually how much discount one should expect.

Also how car insurance workout ?

[Northendzone]

Never bought one, but I suppose it makes sense if the math works in your favour.....you know vehicle is discounted $1000 and it costs $800 to repair

Alternatively, you could just shop around and not deal with this type of thing....

[nik-]

As a heads up, paintless dent repair on a car can cost multiple thousands. And there's no guarantee they can get them all. So it better be a really good deal.

[calgarywinning]

Easily upwards of 9k to 13k on any vehicle, and it will never be right. If appearance isn't your thing and there is a substantial discount go for it!

[combustiblefuel]

Hail damage is usually just cosmetic , unless there are windows to replace.mechanically speaking it makes sense to buy at a lower price. If its just a means of point A to B.

[Hevishot]

Remember if you buy a hail damaged vehicle and get into an accident where a panel needs to be replaced (hood,trunk,fenders) you may be charged a betterment on the repair by the insurance company because the "claim" has already been paid out on the vehicle.

[Erick Estrada]

Two things;

1. Have to ensure you are getting a very, very good deal not just a few thousand below invoice.
2. Have to be committed to driving it for a long period of time.

Resale value will be so poor that you really have to ensure you like the vehicle and are committed to owning it long term or you are better off buying a regular new car even if it cost more initially.

[Ace]

in 7 years when all those hail spots start rusting, you'll regret it IMO.

[mrkajz44]

Originally Posted by Ace

in 7 years when all those hail spots start rusting, you'll regret it IMO.

If the paint is not chipped would this actually happen? Or is this just a somewhat generalized statement?

Asking becuase I have some hail damage on my car, but saw no paint chips so I just left it alone.

[Ace]

Originally Posted by mrkajz44

If the paint is not chipped would this actually happen? Or is this just a somewhat generalized statement?

Asking becuase I have some hail damage on my car, but saw no paint chips so I just left it alone.

We had one in the family, paint all in tact (appeared as such), but over time the "dents" started rusting prematurely; can't say for sure that would happen to them all...

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Ace

We had one in the family, paint all in tact (appeared as such), but over time the "dents" started rusting prematurely; can't say for sure that would happen to them all...

Possibly the paint around the dents started to crack over time letting water contact the metal beneath otherwise I can't see how the dents would rust as long as the paint is intact.

[CalgaryFan1988]

^^^^ possible the person who had the hail damage touched it up, to make it appear better, but trapped in moisture.

[Ace]

Both are possible, it was a new vehicle (corolla) from the dealership. Maybe thinned out the metal just enough to make those weak points

[topfiverecords]

Just be careful when installing the bidet.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Two things;

1. Have to ensure you are getting a very, very good deal not just a few thousand below invoice.
2. Have to be committed to driving it for a long period of time.

Resale value will be so poor that you really have to ensure you like the vehicle and are committed to owning it long term or you are better off buying a regular new car even if it cost more initially.

This^^

My buddy bought a hail damaged Civic for a reasonably good discount a few years ago. No mechanical problems or rust so far, and it's 10 years old now. If you like the car and it's a good deal, go for it