Originally Posted by kannibul

I think carfax also doesn't get "notified" if a car is taken in and paid for out of pocket.

With a high deductible (like what I have), if either bumper gets nailed, I doubt I'd claim it unless the damage is at least double my deductible - simply because I don't want to deal with a hiked-up insurance rate.

As for the owner, the same could be said for any used vehicle. I have the same perspective as you on used vehicles vs. new - I prefer to buy new because the only person who's f'd it up is me, and I know the history of the vehicle from very early on. That, and when I think of a used vehicle and how much I'd be willing to pay for one, that amount is ALWAYS less than what the asking price is, usually by enough to where I end up reconsidering getting new.