"ravelation" <ravelation@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:15859-3F215893-32@storefull-2335.public.lawson.webtv.net...
> I'd like to hear some feedback on the situation I'm faced with. We just
> bought a '99 Honda Civic EX Coupe, black, 62,000 miles, for $7,500.

dealer, or private party?

> Obvious needs at the time were a new windshield and a good cleaning,
> floor mats and a remote (original keys were said to be lost by the
> daughter who drove the car). The car has typical kid use damage.
> Included were 17" wheels and new tires up front, newer in back. JVC cd
> player, I want to say 200 watts (yikes!) with an amp in the trunk, Sony
> speakers in the back.
>
> Sounds like a great deal, huh? It might be, and I'm just being hyper
> sensitive. That's where you come in. The plot thickens.
>
> Once the car is home, we realize it's been in an accident. It looks like
> airbags could've deployed as the cover for the dash bag looks newer than
> the dash.

might wanna pull up the cover, and see if theres an airbag under there. id
be surprised if there was.

> The front end driver's side was repaired.
> New light, bumper and grill, and left front fender. They used '98 parts
> and I've now been informed that '99 year is slightly different in size.
> That explains why the bumper and fender are off by about an inch on the
> driver's side... also explains gaps around the '99 light that was used
> to replace the damaged one (have had to buy new light for passenger side
> as it's a '98 and doesn't match the '99's style on the driver's side.)
> Now, to look at the car from the front, you'd say, "nice car." It's good
> from afar, but far from good. Well, sorta. The fit and finish are less
> than perfect.
>
> The back lights are of the '96-98 model year. Causes me much angst until
> I realize the original's had been replaced and they weren't '99 model
> year. This is not a huge biggie, as my son has already ordered new back
> lights. But still. I had to run around finding the right size bolts (one
> had only one bolt holding it in place!) as Honda was out of them.
> Metric....
>
> Had it to the mechanic. Hank says car is in good shape mechanically.
> Needed new front brakes, tranny flush, radiator flush (almost all water
> in rad.), tune up, lights replaced in taillights, battery holder. No
> frame damage visible. Trunk rides up on driver side and back bumper
> looks to have been pushed forward a bit. Not super noticeable, but I'm
> picky.
>
> California law states any damage over $750. be reported. This car came
> back unreported which tells me daughter got in a fender bender and they
> bought aftermarket parts of the wrong year to replace some of them and
> repaired the damage without a report to the state. (I'm guessing the
> bumper and grill are the two '98 parts.)
>
> Do I contemplate some action, done very easily as there's lawyers in
> immediate family, or do I suck up the experience and realize my son's
> got a really nice looking and now mechanically sound car for a decent
> price? ($7500, + $600 in maintenance/repair, $160. taillight, $50.
> mats. = $8300.)
>
> Oh, they didn't give us the smog certificate that's required by law,
> either.
> Novices that we are, failed to ask for it too. (-$68.)
>
> Buyer beware? Or grounds for reimbursement to right the car with '99
> parts, a bumper and grill? I'm looking for an ethical perspective before
> talking to legal.

they had a reason to sell it for $7500, especially if its missing a $1000
airbag module, or 2.
>
> Thanks to all who respond.
>