[Paul275]

Need some opinions here. My '21 330 xdrive was tapped by a dump truck at about 2 mph. The trucks bumper contacted the decklid and damaged the very rear surface and a small crack in the right tail light. Everything worked fine after the collision, nothing else was damaged. All was fixed by a reputable repair shop for $3k, the decklid and tail light were all replaced. Color match is perfect, and I am picky.
Lease is up soon, I already bought a new car, but my son loves the BMW. Residual is pretty good and miles are way under what I bought on the lease. The car has been nearly perfect over the last 33 months.
Unfortunately, we checked the Carfax and sure enough, the incident is listed.
My son has no issue affording this car, but just concerned the Carfax is a permanent scarlet letter for a very minor issue. Thoughts?

[AM340iMiami]

Wouldn’t be an issue to me personally. You have the paper trail to back up your claim of damage and when it’s time to sell you have the paperwork.

While that won’t stop people from kicking your tires down the road. At least you have the repair bills to show what went down and can rebuff any low balls.

If the lease buy back is a good deal, might be worth it for your son to pick it up.

[Mason Hatcher]

It wouldn't bother me at all

[radarguy]

If your son eventually trades it in or sells it to a dealer or a Carvana-like enterprise they will see the accident on CarFax and deduct for it no matter how minor it was. At that point, it will probably be a six or seven-year-old car and it won't matter much. I think he should get a low-mileage car with known provenance from you rather than worry about what happens in three or four years.

[Montaver]

I would take a known car even with a small blemish on the carfax over an unknown car if it was what I wanted. You have pictures and documentation for the work, if you sell privately the hit should be smaller, assuming you sell 2-3 years down the line.

[Paul275]

Thanks, all. Great responses. The car was treated well by me, and serviced right on time. Four new tires too! Sounds like the risk is lower than the first year's depreciation some new cars he has been looking at. Super spec too, HK, leather, Prem pkg and remote start. I bought a monster Lexus SUV, just wanted something different as is my typical MO.