would potential car buyers be put off by...

[Cavaturbo]

hello i have a car and am thinking about selling. Problem is it in year 2002 i had a big accident that cost about 20k (CDN) to repair(as shown on my car report). The car hasnt given me a single problem. I only have myself to blame for some minor issues. Anyways the car(not a rebuilt) is worth about 8k (CDN) today.

So if a potential buyer ask me about any accidents should i provide them with the car report or just tell them it has been in an accident with more the 5000 damage?

I am worried when they see the 20k repair bill they will think the car must have suffered a severe damage that will give them trouble, but then again i want to be completely straight and hope they will see my honesty. what do you think i should do??

[akboss]

Hmm, tough call. I would not provide them with the car report unless they ask, but be upfront and tell them verbally about the fact that it was damaged (and subsequently repaired) in 2002. Also tell them you have driven it since with no major issues, and they can seek more information if they want to.

Nice to see an honest used car seller - the world could use a few more like yourself.

[jdmccright]

You should be ready to explain about the accident and do so honestly...you'll raise a red flag if you try to poo pooh it as minor when it obviously wasn't. If you can show that the repair work was done properly and competently, it should help to assuage a buyer's fears. A repaired car that has to be continually aligned, has rattles, squeaks, or has electrical quirks is a sign that the repair wasn't the best quality. But there's no way you'll get the full market value for your car. This is true for any major work done...new engine, rebuilt tranny, or body/frame damage repair.

Good luck!

[Shpuker]

How much was the car worth when you had the work done?

[Cavaturbo]

it was a honda prelude year 1999. was worth 23-25k in that year(2002).

[Shpuker]

You must not have had insurance then. That might scare them a little if they see it had a major accident with an uninsured driver

[leekelvin]

Nearly half of potential car buyers have put off buying a new vehicle as economic uncertainty caused many to reassess the value of their current vehicles.

[Gary L]

Honesty might cost you some dollars but it pays fantastic dividends in your conscience.

Sell your car as it is and answer all questions honestly. Let the new buyer make his/her own decision but be willing to accept a bit less given the issues. You will sleep much better knowing you did not hide the facts.

Gary

[Dealmaker]

Be honest about the situation, and position this potential purchase as a steal of a deal because of the situation. As long as it has indeed been correctly fixed you should be able to sell it eventually (noting that nothing sells quickly right now).