Total Loss Check: According to CarFax, not all total loss vehicles (where the damage exceeds 75% of the value) get a salvage or junk title. Don’t buy a vehicle that has been declared a total loss, regardless of what the seller tries to tell you.
Frame Damage Check: This is a warning that absolutely needs to be checked out by a mechanic with expertise with frames. This particular car was in an accident where it rear-ended another vehicle, but no frame problems were indicated. It’s still worth having the mechanic look for frame damage.
Airbag Deployment Check: This is extremely important – not just because it indicates the car was in an accident and needs further inspection. You need to have your mechanic make sure the airbag was replaced. Unscrupulous body shops may not do the work.
Odometer Rollback check: This dovetails with the last reported odometer reading. There are reasons for discrepancies, but make sure they jibe with your mechanic’s inspection.
Accident Check: Cars can be fixed after accidents. It obviously happens all the time. Use this info, combined with the details provided about the accident, to pinpoint what your mechanic should look for.
Manufacturer Recall Check: If you skipped over the CarFax safety and reliability report at the top of the inspection report, you would get a false sense of security from this clean bill of health. It’s true that Toyota never recalled this car, but it issued an eight-year unlimited mileage goodwill repair for problems with engine oil gelling, according to the reliability report. A goodwill repair is an acknowledgment by a manufacturer that it will fix a problem, but it’s not a recall.
Basic Warranty Check: It means the manufacturer no longer covers this vehicle. You’re responsible for all future repairs outside of any warranty offered by the seller.
