alaska_civichx
09-10-2007, 01:52 AM
Hello-
We're looking to purchase a used CR-V (cheaper and we don't like the styling of the new ones as much). We test drove a 2004 with low mileage that looks and ran great, however there are a few red flags:
1) The owner acknowledges (when asked) that the car had been in an accident- it rear-ended another car going about 20 mph. He said the radiator had to be replaced but the engine was otherwise unharmed. The bodywork was impeccable (I would not have been able to tell that it had been in an accident). (BTW, I was dismayed that carfax didn't report the accident, even though it did report several car services.)
2) Upon starting the car there was just a hint of smoke in the exhaust. The owner thought it was a result of the car sitting in the garage for a week, but that sounds bogus. I fear burning oil, possibly as a result of the accident. The engine bay had been shampooed (sp?), so I wasn't able to tell if there were any leaks. (Whether or not that was deliberate is anyone's guess.)
3) There was a squeaking noise when the fan was on low, which may be connected to the accident.
4) The owner was cagey about it, but it was pretty clear that his teenage daughter was the primary driver (and probably behind the wheel during the accident). Which leads me to believe the car has been driven hard.
Normally I wouldn't consider a car that has been in an accident, but we're in a small market and the car is exactly the model we want. Thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated!
We're looking to purchase a used CR-V (cheaper and we don't like the styling of the new ones as much). We test drove a 2004 with low mileage that looks and ran great, however there are a few red flags:
1) The owner acknowledges (when asked) that the car had been in an accident- it rear-ended another car going about 20 mph. He said the radiator had to be replaced but the engine was otherwise unharmed. The bodywork was impeccable (I would not have been able to tell that it had been in an accident). (BTW, I was dismayed that carfax didn't report the accident, even though it did report several car services.)
2) Upon starting the car there was just a hint of smoke in the exhaust. The owner thought it was a result of the car sitting in the garage for a week, but that sounds bogus. I fear burning oil, possibly as a result of the accident. The engine bay had been shampooed (sp?), so I wasn't able to tell if there were any leaks. (Whether or not that was deliberate is anyone's guess.)
3) There was a squeaking noise when the fan was on low, which may be connected to the accident.
4) The owner was cagey about it, but it was pretty clear that his teenage daughter was the primary driver (and probably behind the wheel during the accident). Which leads me to believe the car has been driven hard.
Normally I wouldn't consider a car that has been in an accident, but we're in a small market and the car is exactly the model we want. Thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated!