Autocheck shows a damaged frame!!

[eljefino]

I think one of the companies below will do a one time VIN check for $3.50 or so...

http://www.nmvtis.gov/nmvtis_vehiclehistory.html

edit, this one: http://www.checkthatvin.com/stc/

 

[MrCritical]

Two things.

I have seen Carfax report damage AFTER the vehicle was sold to the dealer and retailed (more than once).

If it was announced at the auction, that is a whole 'nother story. A reputable dealer shouldn't buy a car with frame damage, unless they specialize in selling that kind of car. That kind of information should have been revealed before a test drive to the customer.

More than likely, the dealer would have had to sign a form stating that they knew they were buying a car with a damaged frame. Does that mean the car has a rebuilt or salvage title? If so, the finance company knows it as well.

Talk to management at the dealer. Tell them you'll accept a notarized statement from them that the car did not have frame damage AND has clear title. If they say no, get your lawyer to contact the auction himself/herself.

 

[saberz]

It could also be the dealership either keeping a carfax that was "prior" to it being reported, or the incident wasn't available for reporting at the time of purchase. Often times delayed by insurance and the excess paperwork. Definitely run it against another VIN checker.

 

[ahoier]

Yea, I never took too much thought in those carfax reports.....[censored], my current vehicle, the 88 Dodge Aries, according to CarFax only has 5 "records" - but my 07 and 08 Kias were in the 20s and 30s?! lol. why?

Only thing I could figure, when I got my Optima (the 08) it had a bunch of useless stuff listed....apparantly some "Tuffy" Lube/Mechanic joints report every service to Carfax....I guess, in a way it's kind of cool, considering I didn't have any other receipts or proof of maintenance on the vehicle, but strange to see 30+ "records" for an 08.....and then my old 88 only has 5 records? lol.

and FWIW, AutoCheck lists 21 records....lol.

 

[hate2work]

Update: I had our mechanic put the car on his hoist and inspect the frame, it all looked good. He said he could see no damage at all.

In the end, our son traded the car in for a 5 speed, so problem solved. I called and talked to our attorney and he said it would be difficilt to actually prove the dealership knew about it when they sold it to him.