Auto Insurance Claims: Nissan Pathfinder with Unibody Damage, 2004 nissan pathfinder, nissan pathfinder

Question
I am in the market to buy a SUV. I have researched a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder (VIN JN8DR09Y14W908061)that I know from the seller was auctioned in Florida (I am in GA). Autocheck indicates the SUV was "Announced as Unibody Damage", (CARFAX reports sold at auction, but does not mention unibody damage). Autocheck, though it reports unibody damage does not report data on an accident, etc. This information is vague to me. Should I bother to have a qualified mechanic check it out and ascertain if the SUV is actually in good shape with repairs, or is the fact this is on the report enough to not consider it at all due to insurance coverage, etc?

Answer
Hi James,

The fact that the vehicle was sold at auction and has unibody damage is an absolute red flag not to buy this vehicle. Although it was not specifically stated, this vehicle likely was involved in a major wreck and rebuilt. Vehicles with repaired structural damage can be prone to a variety of problems including alignment issues, tracking problems, airbag deployment problems, etc.

A vehicle with repaired unibody damage will generally be worth 20% to 30% less than a vehicle with no damage history. If you are considering purchasing this vehicle you should have the vehicle inspected by an ASE master mechanic. In addition to the inspection you should take the vehicle to body shop or frame shop that has a laser frame measuring system, to be sure the structure is properly aligned. Even is the vehicle passes these inspections, you should be paying at least 20% less than standard value for this vehicle.  

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh