Tips on Buying Cars: Should I purchase a car that was in a wreck, moderate damage, insurance claim


Question
I have put a $200 "non-refundable" deposit on a vehicle that I am supposed to pick up on this Tuesday.  The dealer gave me an Autocheck report that indicated that the car was totally clean and clear.  I subsequently ordered and Carfax report which indicated that the car had been in an accident in 2007.  It reported that the car had moderate damage from running into a ditch.  But it did not hit anything.  My question is:  What is moderate damage and should I still purchase the car.  Also, why did the dealer not notify me of this damage because it was a police reported accident.  Please let me know your thoughts as soon as possible as I am supposed to pick up the car in two days.  Thank you.

Answer
Priscilla, A Carfax is the best report out there. Maybe the dealer hadn't pulled this, which is odd, as most dealers will get this report before they purchase the vehicle. There was probably an insurance claim which is why it shows on the Carfax.

If you are still interested in the vehicle take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. If the dealer won't let you...go somewhere else.