I purchased a brand new car 3 months ago and 3 weeks ago my passenger side was struck by a tractor trailer.?

Question

The passenger door and quarter panel had to be replaced. I was going to trade the car since its been damaged. Do I have to tell the dealer it was wrecked?

Answer 1

Why would you trade it in if the damage has been properly repaired and the car is now ok? You would lose so much money on the trade. Or doesn't money matter at all to you? Cars depreciate by thousands when you drive them out the showroom. Keep it longer as the next car you buy will lose thousands as you drive it out the showroom too. What if someone damaged your replacement car would you then replace it again?  Cars repaired properly are as safe as they were before the damage. You do not have to tell the dealer about the damage, their appraiser will notice it. The car has not been wrecked just damaged. If I were selling to a private buyer that may be different but even then if they are getting a pre-purchase inspection report this will point out to the buyer any mechanical or bodywork problems that would affect the value of the car. I tell any private buyer of a vehicle any history of my own car. You shouldn't try to lie about it or be dishonest.

Answer 2

Yes, you do.

Answer 3

Yes you do.  How would you feel if you purchased a car that had been damaged and you did not know?  Did you run it through your insurance company?  If you did then it is already on the car fax report and the dealer will find out anyway and be less likely to be "kind" to you in the trade in cost.  On top of it, you will most likely still owe money on top of what you get as a trade in.