How much less is my car worth since it's been in an accident?

Question

I have a 2006 Honda Civic EX and I'm toying with the idea of trading up for something a bit more powerful, but I'm concerned because I was in a front end accident (one airbag deployed). The car is completely restored and you'd never know it had crashed, but I am an ethical person and would disclose the accident, and want to know if it's still worth anything. My friend that works at a Honda dealership said my exact car is worth about $18,000, but that doesn't consider the accident. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

They will know about the accident the first time they pop the hood. They also might measure the thickness of the paint and that gives it away in two seconds.

Definitely be honest, but it sounds like you had it repaired correctly so I wouldn't worry too much.
Some dealership might just check out the engine and make you an offer.
Keep in mind they will try and lowball you repeatedly. if your friend works at a dealership he might be able to get an idea of what the dealership pays for it's cars at auction. You can't claim your car as excellent condition anymore but how's the rest of the car??
Check your values at kbb.com but keep in mind we get our values from a black book that's updated weekly so it's always going to be several thousand below consumer resources.
Selling on the private market is usually a better idea since dealers need to buy low and sell high which is where the private market usually turns to anyway.
Check autotrader.com and try and find as close to your car as possible, that will give you a judgement call of around where your money is.

Answer 2

Well, if the reparis were done correctly, it should not knock much off the value. YOu can go to Kelly blue book or NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) sites and see what they tell you

Answer 3

Look up the value on www.kellybluebook.com

Answer 4

check bluebook, damge doesnt seem structural and if done right wont affect the cars price so much...