Buying A Car That Has Been In A Bump, Does This Look Like It Might Have Long Term/Unseen Damage

[Raidergal2022]

I have seen a car that I really really really want to buy, it is affordable as it is has been used quite a bit though has low mileage. However when I went to look at it I noticed it had been in a bump around the back wheel arch - see pics.

The dealers have repaired this and it has passed its MOT (they have also fitted new coil springs) but in the back of my mind I am wondering if the bump will have caused any unseen damage or have weakened any internal structures?

Then I thought that any used car you buy could have had a bump /been repaired. At what point is the risk not worth it?

https://ibb.co/ZHCb9LD
https://ibb.co/xg32Vtv

[davebro]

Looks fairly minimal to me if properly repaired. If it was written of as Cat C/N whatever (I suspect it wasn't) it would affect the resale price if you ever came to sell it.

[Old_Geezer]

They didn't do a very good job at hiding it, did they.

[douglas9401]

Walk away.

[davebro]

I'm assuming it has been repaired SINCE those pictures were taken!

[bednobs]

what is your definition about used quite a bit but low mileage? Has it been used for something else other than a car travelling to places or something?

[davebro]

could have been used several days a week for short journeys?

[bhg481]

dave - which is about the worst sort of car to buy. Lots of short journeys store up trouble; you're far better off with a higher mileage car which has done mainly long trips ie, fewer cold miles.

[ToraToraTora]

Has it been written off as CAT D/N? Probably OK but will have much lower resale value.

[Raidergal2022]

Thanks for the replies

It has been repaired/past a MOT now yes and has had new coil springs fitted. I am not exactly sure what they did ie I don’t think they replaced the panal it has just had a repaint on both sides (as the other side had a key scratch all along it). Anyway it has passed its MOT.

My main concern is if the impact look large enough to cause some type of internal weakness/damage. A bit like when you drop a phone it might look ok on the outside but be weakened in some way on the inside.

My definition of used meant that it was unclean inside with a few stains plus a bit of condensation in the front lights but it has cleaned up really well when I last saw it.

[Raidergal2022]

Sorry I meant ‘passed’ not ‘past’ I can’t spell haha

[ToraToraTora]

yes but was it a write off?

[davebro]

Anyway we can't possibly say yeh or nay without knowing more about the car & its price. As regards the damage it looks like a scrape to me rather than a full on impact so I wouldn't think there would be underlying issues. If in doubt get it inspected & test driven by a reliable mechanic. (or walk away)

[Raidergal2022]

No Tora it wasn’t a write off nor was given a category or anything it was just repaired by the dealer

[ToraToraTora]

Ok looks like a scrape, the fact that you know about it means they haven't just patched up a dodgy one, I'd say it's ok but it's the price that matters.

[ladybirder]

But it's not just a scrape when you magnify the second picture. There is a dent.

[ToraToraTora]

Yes but it's a glancing blow, would not have caused any structural damage.

[ladybirder]

True.
Knowing the price would really help.

[youngmafbog]

Doesnt look much to me, you should have seen the mess the Missus made down the side of the Jag when she caught the gatepost. £4500 of damage, but it was all superficial. Looks a similar thing to me only much less.

[Raidergal2022]

Ladybirder it is £8000 - 2015 fiesta zetec S 139 bhp.
36000 miles

My 2 main potential concerns really where any unseen damage the bump/impact may have had and secondly it was messy inside/has a bit of condensation in the headlamps ?if this means it has been stood for some time.

It drives very well though and has cleaned up nicely inside after it’s valet

[Ryzen]

Seems a bit expensive....IMO