Would you buy a new 370z that has been in a minor accident?

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 09:35 PM

No, and here is why:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

The dealership's employee crashed the car. He did a 180, hit a curb (major curb rash on original wheels, hence aftermarket wheels), and hit something stationary with his rear bumper. The bumper itself suffered a major dent and apparently a few parts behind the bumper were also damaged. The dealership claims that absolutely everything that even had a scratch on it, has been entirely replaced. Nothing was "repaired" or repainted. No metal has been damaged at all, only plastic parts and only bolt ons, which were all replaced.

This Z has already seen a life of abuse—and it's new!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

I saw a lot of pictures of the car after the accident and it did not look so bad. They even showed me their full repair bill and it was 4.5k. They claim that since it is a new car, if anything at all were to go wrong then it would be fixed under warranty. I intend to pay for extended full 7 year warranty as well.

In an accident "looks" are deceiving. The dealer states "nothing has been repaired" but this is not what he should have said. Instead this 370Z should has been placed atop the proper body alignment racks and its manufacturers alignment points referenced to determine whether the chassis has been skewed. Also, a full four-wheel alignment must be done (and hopefully was not done to hide any discrepancies). Ever seen a car "crabbing" down the road from behind? That's because it was not properly repaired and its chassis was left in a misaligned, and damaged state. When a vehicle is like this it can wear tires prematurely, never be properly wheel aligned, pull to one side or the other, and be unsafe in another accident as the chassis is compromised.

Below are some the factory specs to be used on frame alignment rack:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

This accident was not recorded at all and does not show up on carfax.

Carfax IMHO is utterly useless and the fact the dealer has not used it this instance, but I am sure will use when it is convenient, screams "no sale." You are already dealing with a disingenuous dealer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

If I were to go for an accident free new car, it would cost me 2.5k more and no aftermarket rims.

Don't the factory rims MSRP for more than that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

Would you do it? If so, would you pay for a third party inspection? I need to decide in the next 24h...

Hell no. When's a deal not a deal? When's it abuse. Walk away.

If you are still hellbent on purchasing this Z then at least print out and show the dealer this post and ask them to refute what I've written. Thanks.

Zolfix · 03-16-2010, 09:45 PM

Can frame alignment be checked in another body shop?

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

Can frame alignment be checked in another body shop?

Yes

frost · 03-16-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

Can frame alignment be checked in another body shop?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Yes

Never had this done. Sounds expensive.

Zolfix · 03-16-2010, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Yes

Say I get them to foot the bill for a full checkup including the check for frame alignment - would you do it then? Assuming all is well of course...

SoCal 370Z · 03-16-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zolfix

Say I get them to foot the bill for a full checkup including the check for frame alignment - would you do it then? Assuming all is well of course...

Too subjective as I would have to meet the players and review the automobile. Some dealers will promise you a lot, but the minute you sign the papers they fall into a memory lapse. The old saying "get it in writing" applies heavily in this situation.

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03-16-2010, 09:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zolfix Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 35 Drives: '10 370z 6MT Rep Power: 17	Can frame alignment be checked in another body shop?