Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 18:06
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Benet

I may buy this Auris: www.partexchangesdirect.co.uk/used-cars/toyota-aur...2,

however there seems to be an extended gap between the front bumper/spoiler assembly and the wings. I suspected an accident but was shown a History printout to show it had never been in an accident nor been written off.

Is this sufficient cause to walk away?

Any thoughts or advice greatfully received

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 19:10
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - oldroverboy.

1, not cheap

2, plenty of others around.

3 if not sure do not buy.

It could have a panel gap frpm where it has been shunted and the bumper has gone back into place, but doesn't quite look right. (there could be hidden damage) but it is a 5 year old car....

if in doubt, refer to point 3.

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 19:23
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Benet

plenty of others around, yes, but not many red ones...

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 20:02
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - daveyjp
There is no register of vehicles which have been repaired following an accident, only those which have been written off.

If a seller maintains it has never been in an accident how can they prove it?

Edited by daveyjp on 28/07/2015 at 20:03

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 21:40
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Falkirk Bairn
There is no register of vehicles which have been repaired following an accident, only those which have been written off.

There are also cars, owned by large companies, that are insured 3rd party only.

If their driver is blameworthy the 3rd party damages are paid by the insurer BUT the company car is sold to a dealer with no marks on the database of it being written off as NO INSURER HAS PAID OUT (only the driver's company has taken the loss in value).

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 22:08
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - RobJP

plenty of others around, yes, but not many red ones...

The colour of a used car is the least important thing. Concentrate on that at your peril !

Far too many people buy 5-8 year old cars on the colour, trim, spec. What really matters is condition, service history, receipts for work carried out, etc.

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 22:54
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Benet

Funnily enough it does have full service history and receipts. The previous keeper was a private individual. I will go back and have another word with the dealer.

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Tue 28 Jul 2015 23:58
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Manatee

Look for other signs of repaired damage if you are concerned - e.g. paint differences underbonnet where one wing has been replaced and the other hasn't.

But it only takes a parking nudge to spring a couple of clips and leave a gap around the bumper. Don't ask how I know.

On the other hand, if it had been crash damaged and been properly repaired, you would find it very hard to spot and the bumper would fit perfectly if done by a decent bodyshop.

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Wed 29 Jul 2015 09:08
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - colinh

In passing, there are usually comments regarding the "panel gaps" on the Auris Hybrid - close inspection reveals the gaps are rubber/plastic seals to improve the aerodynamics

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Wed 29 Jul 2015 10:50
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Benet

So offering a car for sale in this state (and not very clean either) is probably more honest. I will update on developments

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Wed 29 Jul 2015 18:20
Auris 1.33 (2010) - Toyota Auris extended panel gaps - Benet

It turned out to be minor damage - a screw holding a clip in place had come off. I decided to buy the car with a lower price and full service/MOT to be done prior to collection. Many thanks for all your advice!

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