2006 Toyota Corolla

[sickcars]

So my parents found a 06 Corolla for sale today while they were by a bodyshop. The owner is selling it. It has had an accident before. But from what the guy said (I was not there) he says it was not that big of an accident & he spend around $1,000 fixing it apparently.

Anyways he wants $14,500 and it has I think 12,000kms on it also was a Rental car before. It has 4 or 5 year warranty from Toyota still and he said he could even add another year or 2 of his own warranty. Of course we are going to take the car somewhere to be checked because I don't trust him.

I'm just wondering if anybody has any Good shops to have it checked at? We are located in the West End of Toronto. Also what do you think of this 06 corolla? Good car? Any problems?

Thanks

[Frogy]

I bought a 2005 Camrey, my first Toyota and to date I am quite pleased. A close friend has had Toyota vehicles for some time now including Corolla, Camrey as well as a pickup. Good vehicles. Given the particular one that you are looking at, you may want to consider having more than one place look at it.

[Number6]

Askfor the collision report and the repair documents and if possible which insurance company was involved. You just might find out something you're not being told.

[Frogy]

Askfor the collision report and the repair documents and if possible which insurance company was involved. You just might find out something you're not being told.


A good guide can be found at the Ontario Ministry...

http://www.gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045950.html

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.htm


You can also subscribe online and run the vin number.

http://www.google.ca/search?hs=T7f&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=vehicle+VIN++search&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryCA

[sickcars]

Ok thanks for the info all,

I'm going to see if we can pass by and take a look at the car so I can get the VIN # & any documents on the Repair's that have been done on it.

Anything else I should look for?

Thank You

[Lesster]

Do not assume the factory warranty will be valid unless you inform a Toyota dealer about the accident and have it fully inspected by the dealer. Many people have bought used vehicles from other than the manufacturer's dealerships only to take the vehicle in months later for something and are at that time informed that the manufacturer had already blocked the warranty. I've delivered that sad news to several people myself. If that has not happened the dealer is then obligated to inform the manufacturer of the damage and resulting condition of the vehicle. If needed, the warranty is then blocked. In rare cases only the effected area of the vehicle is voided, but in 19 years at my present employer I have only seen that happen once, usually the warranty is completely voided. If you call a Toyota dealer and give them the VIN (vehicle identification number or serial number) they should be able to confirm whether the warranty is intact up to this time.

This is very suspect because the owner did the work himself (or at his body shop). This OFTEN means the vehicle was "bought" by the insurance company as not fixable. The bodyman then buys it relatively cheaply and fixes and sells it. By registering it into their own name and perhaps driving it for awhile, it is owned by that person.

Be very careful, and don't ignore any warning signs.
Good luck.

[T_Totler]

If it was in an accident, I'd stay away from it. No "ifs, ands or buts".

Many people lie about the extent of collision / accident damage and you end up with the problems.

W5 recently did an exposé on the number of crooks out there, mostly used car lots and shady bodyshops.

[Lesster]

Even if the warranty is not now (or in the future) voided due to the damage - you could still have an unreliable or unsafe car.

I didn't want to go that far - but I agree with Mr T - look elsewhere, do not buy this vehicle.

[sickcars]

Ya I dont like buying cars liek this either. As soon as my parents told me it was in an accident I said no right away. But the thing is they have to buy a car anyways because ours is on its last legs now.

So they seem seriouse about buying the car, So I told them we have to have it checked out properly by a good shop etc etc.

Now for the warranty from toyota Im going to have to call them with the Vin # and find out if the warranty is still good and for how long. But im confused as to if they find out the car had an accident if they no longer cover the warrenty or not? & is it possible for them to find this out at a later time and block the coverage?

Thanks