Q: Carfax shows minor damage no airbag deployed. Is it ok to buy?

asked by on August 21, 2017

Carfax shows minor accident. No airbag deployed. It is a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. Is it ok to buy or forget about it?

My car has 102400 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Carfax reports unfortunately only reflect any work or damage that was reported to Carfax. I would suggest checking the Kelly Blue Book website with specifics related to your zip code as market prices of cars vary by zip code. This will give you a baseline for determining whether or not the car is within a general range of the asking price. Secondly, as you know, with any car the life expectancy of it depends largely on the maintenance schedule the owner has maintained, the driving conditions it is subjected to, the driving habits of the owner and many other factors. Often times when a car has had internal damage or even slight cosmetic damage, it may be difficult to tell without looking closely or performing an in depth inspection. As with any vehicle, proper maintenance schedules are a key factor to prolonging the longevity of the vehicle and avoiding unnecessary costly repair bills due to neglecting proper maintenance intervals. I would suggest having an expert from Your Mechanic come to your location to perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection prior to making your purchase.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the coat hook?
Your car has a coat hook that you can use for hanging clothes. The hook is located on the grab handle above the left rear door. To access the coat hook, manually pull it down. The coat hook will fold...
AC not blowing cold air in 2008 Mazda3
Have a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, check the air conditioning system pressures (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection) for a low charge situation. The electrical side should also be inspected for blown fuses or broken wires. We recommend that you do not...
Engine turns over but won't start
An engine needs three things to run: compression, fuel and ignition. If one of these are missing, your engine will not start. A test for spark and fuel should reveal the most likely culprit (e.g., fuel pump, crankshaft/camshaft sensors or...
Advice on which weight of oil to use
Your car calls for 10w30 oil. The 10w is the winter grade that is blended with the 30 weight oil. The oil 5w30 will be a good replacement and should be compatible with your car. I would not go to...
Cut door trigger wire, reconnected it, and now the anti-theft is on and the car won't crank
Hello, thanks for writing in. If that was the only wire cut, the butt connector may not be sufficient to attach the wires together and they may have to be soldered. Some systems watch resistance readings through the circuit and...
How do I stop my car from overheating?
Once the car is completely cool, check the coolant level in the radiator. If low, that will cause overheating. If it is low, you might have a leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection) that should be diagnosed. If the level of coolant is correct...
Oil on top of engine and car won't start
A sudden oil leak could be due to a head gasket failure, crack in the engine block or cylinder head, a plugged PCV system (causing oil to blow out through seals) or similar types of failures. Once the leak point...
We have a 2007 Honda CRV - new battery installed. While driving seeing sporadic light surge on Dash. Thoughts?
If you just had battery replaced due to it going dead then you may have a charging system problem if light is coming on. Have the charging system checked to see if you need an alternator or have another problem....
What tye of prepurchase inspection is best? Bringing mechanic to the dealership or bringing car to the mechanic's shop?
The tools used in an inspection are portable and so either option will work. A more more important consideration in purchasing an inspection is the training of the mechanic and the mechanic's ability, and interest, in finding that which is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Sierra
The The 2012 GMC Sierra may not have sold quite as well as the Ford F-150, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss this rugged and reliable model. For one thing, the Sierra is available in a half-ton version (1500)...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon
When When you want a big SUV that can hold its own, come what may, you’ll be happiest with a GMC Yukon. Although the inside of one of these vehicles can sometimes resemble an upscale hotel room, the 2012 GMC...
The Best Used Cars to Buy For a Graduation Gift
Your Your little bundle of joy has grown up and on the cusp of entering adulthood. Graduating is a milestone, and you want to reward their hard work and show how proud you are. Buying a used car is a...