Any thoughts on the value of a 2005 S60 automatic with 52,000 miles on it with the following carfax info?

- Registered as corporate fleet lease vehicle (Leased through someone in Eden Prairie, MN, but driven in Florida)
- At 30,000 miles, involved in an accident "Damage reported in Miami, FL Involving front impact with another motor vehicle Front of vehicle primarily damaged"
- Sold at auction in Florida this month.

The dealer with this car said the hood had been replaced due to the accident. He said it was a minor accident, but there is no description as to the severity on CarFax. They are asking $13,900.

I am considering a previously damaged car because it is for my son. Odds are that he will wreck it (that is why I want a safe car) and I figure that if I am not paying for a perfect car to start with, maybe the value will not go down so much if he wrecks it.

I appreciate any thoughts.

 

Welcome to the Forum TranPlanner.

14k is well below book for this car. Inspect under the hood carefully for abnormal deformations (crimped sheet metal, scratches around the screws etc.)where the fenders are attached. This will tell you if it was in a more severe accident. Look for color mismatches and misalignments,between bumper,hood,fenders and doors. New radiator and light group? Shift from foward to reverse a few times and listen for clunks, motor and trany mounts. Look at the suspension components for replaced parts. Drive behind it to make sure it goes down the road straight.
Careful inspection should reveal if the car is OK.

 

In addition to Eric's comments just keep in mind that frontal impacts that only damage hoods are far and few between. The dealer bought it at auction, I doubt he has inside information on the cars previous history. Price sounds ok, make sure you get a warranty on the car and first thing I would do is take it to a Volvo specialist and have the car checked-out throughly.

BTW another way to find evidence of front end damage is to look for paint overspray on engine and suspension componets.

If you want to spend a little less check out 1998-2000 s70's , non turbo. They can found under $8k and have airbags. I bought a 2000 for my son when he was in HS and he still has it as a junior in College. Insurance on it is pretty reasonable too, about $1200 a year with collison here in NY.

 

'Insurance on it is pretty reasonable too, about $1200 a year with collison here in NY."

HaHa Rick, Half of that in central Mass. LOL

 

Only $600 a year for collison and liabilty? Wow even I pay more than that on my 99 S70 ($628 per year) I'm 50 and I haven't had a ticket or accident in 13 years!

 

If it was repaired correctly and a trusted mechanic checks it out I don't know that I would be scared away from it. If it was all cosmetic damage and they used OEM parts then you should be OK.