Yaris bonnet gap. Problem?

rosie383

My dh went to look at a second hand Toyota Yaris and was happy with it apart from a gap around the edge of the bonnet as if it isn't shut properly. The owner seems legit and has an HPI cert from the time of purchase in July which doesn't show any accident write off.
The gap is big enough to slide a flat hand into, but she maintains that to her knowledge it hasn't been in an accident.
Is it possible that it just needs a new catch? If so, is it a big job?
My dh isn't naïve and will get a mechanic to check it over prior to purchase, but just wants to know if anyone can give any guidance before he goes to see it again.

Fat_Walt

Walk away.

Fat_Walt

In fact don't walk run.

lewishardwick

HPI will only show if it's been written off by an insurance company.

It's quite possible its had a shunt and been repaired.

Check bumpers for signs of filler, or replacement. Have a good play with the bonnet catch, don't want the first time you discover its dodgy to be when you run out of screen wash!

Mobeer

Even if the previous doesn't know if it was in an accident, it could have been. I'd be concerned that the bad panel alignment is just one consequence of a previous accident, and wonder what else might be lurking beneath. Having no real mechanical skills myself, I'd walk away.

(Plus it seems odd to me that the owner bought it in July and is wanting to sell it already?)

Strider590

A lot of history doesn't show up on a HPI, especially if as mentioned, it was repaired without the insurance company knowing.

If a cars shut lines are off, walk away every time.

Richard53

Get the bonnet up and have a good look with a torch around the engine bay. Look especially at the solid bits down below, where the engine sits. If the car has had a frontal impact and a bodged repair (which is what came to mind when I read the post), then you will see damage or creases here. It's an (expensive) engine-out job to repair properly, and a cheap repair (new panels on a bent structure) will reveal itself in uneven panel gaps and things looking like they don't fit properly. Also, get behind/in front of the car and look along the sides. If you see anything that doesn't line up, ask why.

I would definitely get a good mechanic to have a look before committing yourself. It could be money well spent.

Fat_Walt

Richard53 wrote: »

Get the bonnet up and have a good look with a torch around the engine bay. Look especially at the solid bits down below, where the engine sits. If the car has had a frontal impact and a bodged repair (which is what came to mind when I read the post), then you will see damage or creases here. It's an (expensive) engine-out job to repair properly, and a cheap repair (new panels on a bent structure) will reveal itself in uneven panel gaps and things looking like they don't fit properly. Also, get behind/in front of the car and look along the sides. If you see anything that doesn't line up, ask why.

I would definitely get a good mechanic to have a look before committing yourself. It could be money well spent.

I wouldn't bother going back if you can get your hand in the shut line. But good advice for the next viewing.

Nomoonatall

rosie383 wrote: »

My dh went to look at a second hand Toyota Yaris and was happy with it apart from a gap around the edge of the bonnet as if it isn't shut properly. The owner seems legit and has an HPI cert from the time of purchase in July which doesn't show any accident write off.
The gap is big enough to slide a flat hand into, but she maintains that to her knowledge it hasn't been in an accident.
Is it possible that it just needs a new catch? If so, is it a big job?
My dh isn't naïve and will get a mechanic to check it over prior to purchase, but just wants to know if anyone can give any guidance before he goes to see it again.

Don't do it Rosie. Imagine driving on a motorway with the bonnet up even a couple of mm...it's a death trap. The car might have had a shunt at some time. Be sure it's safe if you do buy it. x

dogshome

Yes - Walk away
I've vetted a few cars the kids wanted to buy and first thing is to check the number plates.
They should both show the name of the original supplying dealer, but as they are the first thing to go in a front or rear end shunt, the one at the damaged end will have been replaced with a pattern part that doesn't carry the dealers name

Rain_Shadow

dogshome wrote: »

Yes - Walk away
I've vetted a few cars the kids wanted to buy and first thing is to check the number plates.
They should both show the name of the original supplying dealer, but as they are the first thing to go in a front or rear end shunt, the one at the damaged end will have been replaced with a pattern part that doesn't carry the dealers name

Quite a few dealers replace plates when cars pass through their hands.