Dodge Ram 4x4 With Front Frame Rail Damage

I was just about to buy a used truck (2004 Dodge Ram 4x4 Diesel) and
just before we finalized the deal, I found out it was in an accident
(even though the dealer said it was not - even in WRITING). When I
obtained detailed claim information from the insurance company, I found
out it the front left and right rails had been repaired (about 4 hours
of labor total).

Apparently, this truck was involved in an accident in a parking lot and
had around $7,000 in repairs. Looked more like the previous owner
rear-ended someone.

While I know that buying a vehicle with frame repair is usually a
no-no, is there anyway of knowing if the repair was done perfectly - so
it will never develop faults in the drivetrain as a result or so it
will not compromise safety in a future accident? Privacy laws prevent
me from finding out who did the repairs.

Perhaps I should just run away now?

Thanks,
Paula

On 27 Jul 2006 22:50:56 -0700, [email protected] wrote:

>I was just about to buy a used truck (2004 Dodge Ram 4x4 Diesel) and
>just before we finalized the deal, I found out it was in an accident
>(even though the dealer said it was not - even in WRITING). When I
>obtained detailed claim information from the insurance company, I found
>out it the front left and right rails had been repaired (about 4 hours
>of labor total).
>
>Apparently, this truck was involved in an accident in a parking lot and
>had around $7,000 in repairs. Looked more like the previous owner
>rear-ended someone.
>
>While I know that buying a vehicle with frame repair is usually a
>no-no, is there anyway of knowing if the repair was done perfectly - so
>it will never develop faults in the drivetrain as a result or so it
>will not compromise safety in a future accident? Privacy laws prevent
>me from finding out who did the repairs.
>
>Perhaps I should just run away now?
>
>Thanks,
>Paula

Looking for advise? Dont' buy it, keep looking?

If you *must* have it, then I'd recommend having it inspected by a
compentent inspector who knows about the accident and what to look
for. I'd guess (were this me, that is) you should be looking at an
additional $3-4K discount in reduced value.

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 08:55:42 -0400, PeterD <[email protected]> wrote:

>Looking for advise? Dont' buy it, keep looking?


I agree, I would not even get it with a discount. You do not know the
extent of damage and when you bend a frame in a wreck and then
straighten it, it is weaker than it was before. How much weaker
depends and how much it was bent and straightened and the nature of
the damage too.
-----------------
The SnoMan
www.thesnoman.com