Tips on Buying Cars: actual cost, gm service, cadillac deville

Question
Hi, I've recently came across a 2002 Cadillac Deville that I am interested in. The dealer has the car listed for 9,980 (internet price) and 11,298 (non-internet price) with 46,000 original miles. My problem is that when I saw the Carfax report it showed that the car had been rear-ended on the right side. This info is not detailed enough,is it possible to find out the specific damage was done. Also what is a reasonable price for a vehicle that has been involved in a accident.

Answer
Dre,

Thanks for your question.  The answer to your questions are these.  First there really isn't anyway to find out what type or amount of damage the vehicle had done to it other than what you already know on the carfax report.  The only other option is to ask for service records on that vehicle from a GM service department.  Hopefully they had the work done at a GM body shop or authorized GM body shop.  If that is the case then the amount of damage and description of what the damage was will be there.  You will need the VIN before you call or visit the dealership.  

Secondly, as long as the amount of damage that was done is nothing extremely significant, the Internet price of the vehicle sounds like a very good buy.  I would always try and negotiate the vehicle some more, maybe for $9000 you would buy it.  All that does is increase your good buy.

Hopefully this helps.

Thanks - Jb