"I see those cars all the time for sale on Ebay. Crap like that could be fixed and never show up on a CarFax or Autocheck as being bad."
Yes, the distinction between a clean title and accident history needs to be made. You can have a car that has never been in an accident but has some issue with its title, TMU, lemon law etc.
The reverse is true, a car with an accident in its past but the title is clean, that is, the accident is the only thing of note.
Of course, you want a car that has had no accidents (at least major ones) AND a clear title.
That is why the inspection is key. Not all accidents are the same.
My wife's car had the door replaced due to some dope backing into here. No frame involvement, a simple replacement.
I would not hesitate to buy her car.
On the other hand, I have seen cars like you referenced above sold after being repaired.
BOTH dealers and private party types may conceal this type of damage (BTW-I have found the honesty quotient about the same here).
Good stuff!
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