[lukeol]

Going to be selling my car soon. I had a minor bump a couple years ago which went through an insurance claim and I had a bumper/trim replaced by a mini dealer. Only cosmetic stuff.

My question is, when I come to sell my car. Do I need to tell buyers this information? and if I don't tell them can they find out from elsewhere, if so, where?

[mini-millie-n-dan]

I wouldn't personally. Our other car (new Leon) had a bump last year which was subject to an insurance claim. It was not given a catagory (such as CAT D etc) so is not recorded on log book or such. I wouldn't mention it if we were selling/trading as it might put some people off or give them an excuse to knock money off your price.
If you think of how many cars get bumped every day (not inc. the write off's), how many do you see up for sale with the owners disclosing it's been repaired?
A sensible buyer would always check it's history before buying anyway, if it's not a write off this will not be recorded.
Thats just my opinion anyway.

[Harpo]

If that's all it was - a bump - then I would not mention it.

However, if your buyers ask if it has ever been in a collision, you have to make a decision - do I tell him the truth, or do I deceive him?

And if you deceive him, and he finds out, he may have a case against you!

[motionmonk]

My thoughts are to be upfront and tell them. After all, you did have it inspected by the dealer and had the parts replaced. In my mind, it establishes that you have nothing to hide : )
Of course, you don't have to have it be the very first thing you point out when someone looks over the car; but I do think full disclosure shows you are proud of your vehicle and your care of it.

[OneDriver]

Tell if they ask, don't if they don't. They you are lying or deceiving...

If you do have to tell them be open and honest and show them the area - if its been properly repaired there should be no evidence of it ever occurring - if anything, the fact that its got new paint/trim/parts in that area is an ideal selling point in my book - tell them to think of it as a free upgrade!

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

This one is nice and easy

You don't have to tell them but, if they ask, you must give them a truthful answer. As Harpo says, if you don't tell the buyer he has a case against you if he finds out later; the fact that it is a private sale gives you no protection from a claim against you

Tigger.

[DaFlake]

I agree with Tigger, Eeyore and Roo (you really need a shorter name).

If the buyer doesn't ask if the car was in an accident then don't worry about it. However, if it is asked you should disclose that it was and explain what happened outlining the damage. It may also be helpful to have the repair receipts available as proof of your story. The more you come clean the more likely you are to make a sale.

[iain cooper]

if trading car in don't mention it unless asked.

if selling privately I would tend to tell them upfront.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Tigger, Eeyore and Roo (you really need a shorter name).

T,E&R will do!

[Joiner]

I wouldn't mention it during your sales pitch. If they ask you should be honest and tell them what happened.

Most cars on the road are repaired at some point in there life. Quite a lot are even repaired before they are sold as brand new cars. I would rather know the history behind a car before I buy.

If people start umming and urring about it I would tell them to p?!*? off. They are obviously not a serious buyer. A small accident shouldn't lower the price if the repair is to a high standard.

[dakini]

If it went to a MINI dealer for the repair of the bumper, and the new owner ever takes it to the dealer, the new owner will find out about it, anyway.

And if it really was a bump, then there's no big deal about telling. You bumped it, it wasn't bad enough to set off the airbags, you repaired it, dealer can confirm it. Be upfront about it and the person will know you're not trying to hide anything else.

[Weird In Wiltshire]

Personally, I would mention it casually as if it does ever come up later on, you have covered yourself. I'd play it down. I'm not sure what the Law is on this issue and it may be worth asking your Insurance Broker first mate. Keep us posted please, this is interesting.