I finally found a G35 coupe I can afford: http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details....ADS=6134828%7C

What do you think about buying this car then repairing the damage? I know absolutely nothing about body work, but I figure even after I pay a couple thousand for the repairs (I would go to the cheapest body shop I could find, not the dealer who always overcharges) it would still end up costing a lot less than another car of the same year and mileage.

 

Thats too much I think. In the end you will probally spend about 20k total for the car and parts and repair. From what it looks like there may be more damage than just the nose and the quarter. These cars are very ify when it comes to the suspension. They say suspension all in tact how do they know if a control arm is bent or a bearing is bad. I would take that 12k and go to the dealer and get something that I know has a clean title and runs fine with a warranty. Anything with that much damage will never run/feel the same.

 

^+1

 

I'd totally avoid it. In addition to what Hi-Tech_G said seems like the insurance on this would also be a headache. Plus, cars that have already been in collision will provide you much less support in a future accident. I was watching 5th gear and they crash tested 2 of the same cars . One of the cars that had a front accident was repaired, passed as perfect by different mechanics and visually 100 % perfect. They performed a front crash test with ballistic models. The car that previously had an accident crammed up enough for the dash to completely crush the model. They all agreed if that was a human he would most likely be dead. The other car did no harm to the model except a few impact bruises.

 

it does look like there could be other damage that is not told. def need more pics and probally a walk arounf to say for sure but that price seems high if you really want it as a project I would get the price down to around 8 or 9K

 

Yeah I think you are right, it's too risky, both financially and if I get in an accident.

But keep in mind that cars are more expensive in Canada and a 2003 G35 coupe still goes for at least 25k here (but for some reason, the sedan can be found for as low as 15k). That's why when I saw this one for only $12.5 I thought it was a really good deal.

I wonder why the price difference between the coupe and teh sedan in Canada is so much greater than it is in the US?

 

rear quarter panel damage could mean axle damage, bent frame, exhaust, major body work etc etc. It probably has a salvage title so you'll most likely be upside down on the loan to fix it when done.

 

It would better if you could see this damage in person, look up and under. Depend how bad the front end damage, you could replace with the new front bodykits but like others, I would check careful to see if any parts are shift backward due to the collision impact!!! Sensors could gone crazy there!!
Take a look at it in person if you could and make your decision after you get home!!

 

If you can afford this car, you must have cash. You certainly wont be able to get a loan for a damaged vehicle. But, if you have the cash, why not finance a decent example?

Lou