Should I buy a G35x that was in an accident?

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Feb 15, 2009 | 08:10 PM
  #1  
I'm looking to buy an pre-owned G35x. I've been looking at '05's because I'm trying to spend around 16k but I just came across an '06 at that price and it only has 30k miles on it (most '05's at this price point seem to have 45k+ miles). There is an accident listed in the CarFax - it just says it involved a right side impact.

The car doesn't have any visible damage - looks new. If it drives fine, should I feel okay to move forward? Or would you guys be concerned about any car having been in an accident. It was also previously owned in Brooklyn. It seems like a lot of cars from that area are priced lower than most other places. Is that anything to be concerned about?

These may be stupid questions, but I appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks!
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Feb 15, 2009 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
Take the car to a mechanic/shop you know and have them take a look at it.
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Feb 15, 2009 | 08:19 PM
  #3  
I wouldn't, but that's me.
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Feb 15, 2009 | 08:26 PM
  #4  
If the damage was cosmetic, such as a bent side panel, I'd look at it. But if the damage affected the alignment, body integrity or suspension system, I'd walk away. If the airbags went off, it's usually a sign that the damage struck deeply enough to require protection of the occupants- not a good sign. It's amazing what body shops can do now- some repairs can now actually exceed OEM standards.

Is it possible to contact the previous owner or find out which body shop did the work. A few questions will give you the info you need for deciding.

Good luck!
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Feb 15, 2009 | 11:40 PM
  #5  
I live in North Jersey and I know exactly what you mean by lower prices in Brooklyn/Bronx/Long Island and I'll tell you exactly why; they are all parts of NYC, where cars bumpers get dinged from parallel parkers, side swiped on narrow streets, and pretty much in city traffic it's entire life. Those cars take beatings and one that has already been in an accident is probably worse off. I personally would not buy a city owned car. Just be patient, that's what car buying is all about. I got an '04 with the CPO warranty for $17,500 out the door and it's in pristine shape. I'd just be patient and look for something better. Good luck!
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Feb 16, 2009 | 07:44 AM
  #6  
You would have to determine how much money you would save by purchasing a car with an accident on its record. If the savings is less than $3k, then that would not be worth it to me.

Also, a car that has been in accident can NOT be certified by Infiniti, so you'll lose some value there as well.
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Feb 16, 2009 | 10:49 AM
  #7  
Dont buy it. You will have a hard time selling a car that was in an accident.
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Feb 16, 2009 | 12:00 PM
  #8  
You'll also have a hard time getting any warranty work done if they can prove it was in an accident. Granted, they will have to prove the accident caused the malfunction but they can make it difficult on you.
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Feb 16, 2009 | 02:40 PM
  #9  
I wouldn't

So many G35's out there i'd move on to the next one
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Feb 16, 2009 | 02:57 PM
  #10  
dont do it, you will never know if it demage anything and good luck selling it later
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Feb 16, 2009 | 03:05 PM
  #11  
Look at how many people here are telling you to not buy it.

Now, think about this when you go to sell your car later and someone sees the same thing you just did
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Feb 16, 2009 | 03:11 PM
  #12  
what's the first question anyone asks when looking at a used vehicle? the answer is: "has it been in a collision?". if the collision was a minor fender/bumper bender then no big deal. that's the reality of living in an urban area. if the damage was significant (over $2-3K) many people will walk, even if the owner is selling at a discount.
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Feb 16, 2009 | 03:19 PM
  #13  
Thanks guys! I definitely will not be pursuing this vehicle!
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Feb 17, 2009 | 11:39 AM
  #14  
It's such a buyers market, why would you even consider it? Why not just move on and find another.

Don't fall in love with the first car you see, there's always another!
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Mar 29, 2009 | 08:22 PM
  #15  
Patience is key but tough... I was shopping for a 05 G and found a 06 coupe with 20K miles for 17K. Got excited but after relaying the sellers name to a few other dealerships I found out he only buys accident cars at auction. This was even with a clean Carfax report on the car... there are situations where there are no issues on the Carfax but some listed on Experian's VIN history check.

Deffinately a buyers market right now... After shopping everyday for 2 weeks I found a 05 Diamond Graphite/Black Sedan with 40K miles in PERFECT condition. The 3 year/36K warranty and car came out to 16k. AND this is straight from an Infiniti dealership.
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