capndar

Looking for some guidance (did a search - none found) What is the difference between a car with damage history and one with none? Specifics - Looking a two cars, both 1984/1985 early NA cars, both look nice, both at 110,000 miles - very similar mechanicals, t belts done, water pumps done, run well, etc. Number One has been a three owner, same town, same mechanic, but had about $2500 in body work done 5 years ago - (drivers' door replaced, 1/2 car painted) - frame was not damaged. Car #2 looks nice, 2 owners, guaranteed clean damage history. They want $4900 for Number 2 and $4000 for Number 1. Is a clean damage history worth $900?

Zero10

Definately.
One of the other things to consider is the resale value of the car after you have owned it for a while.
Another thing is, all of the sheet metal on our cars is galvanized. This is so it does not corrode. When damage is repaired, often studs are welded, and panels pulled back out, hammered, etc. This will damage or destroy the galvanized coating on the panels. Which means that part of the car will rust out.
Not to mention the potential safety hazards of an improperly repaired car.

The exception to this is, if the damage was contained to the driver's door. In which case, if it was replaced, then there is no risk of not having the corrosion resistance.

So, if the damage was contained, and it was me making the decision. I would take the one that was fixed for $900 less. However, if the quarter panel or fender was damaged, there is also the possibility of bent a/b pillars, leaky doors and windshields, plus rust, I would definately take the one guaranteed clean.

So, long story short, if it's possible to find out exactly how bad the damage was, it may be worth taking the repaired one. Otherwise I would not chance it for $900.

Jgordon

I would say that the peace of mind alone is worth the 900. $2500 worth of damage is a lot more than some guy going to a wrecking yard, finding another door, and painting it. I'd be wary.

Jared

JB '87 944

Spend the $900 and save thou$and$.

seb928s

Wait here hold on people. If the work was done right and body parts replaced new stuff welded in then the car is going to be as good as the one without damaged. I had my car worked on at the Porsche dealer it was done right and you can't feel the difference. They changed out panels and it was all coated with the zinc so no worries about rust now 3 years later it's going great no rust can't feel anything wrong with it. A shop looked at it right after it was done and not that long ago. That was one reason in having the work done at the Porsche dealer they did a wonderful job on the car. Just see where the work was done and look up if the place does good work then if it does check which car has more history.

roy_josef

Save the $900 and get the (slightly) cheaper car. We are talking about 20 year old cars here, and just because there is no verifiable evidence of any prangs on the damage free car, just think about it, 20 years with nothing?, I highly doubt it. If the damage occured over 5 years ago and there is no evidence of it today, spend the 9 bills on some nice suspension and a decent radio.