So here's an update: It was my Lotus that was damaged and I just to play it safe (for possible legal reasons), I stated otherwise.
At any rate, the car was in a significant front end collision prior to my purchasing the vehicle. Either the owner paid cash for the repair, they didn't file the paperwork they should have with the DMV or it didn't get into the DMVs system. CarFax came up clean and this is why I've said, don't take CarFax for being 100% accurate. Porsche/Audi of Downtown Los Angeles refused to take full responsibility for the condition of the car that they sold me. I provided them will more then enough info to prove that the car wasn't in an accident after I purchased it. They gave me the run around for close to 3 weeks before agreeing to buying a crash structure for me. I had the chance to get a lawyer but at this point I just want my car back. All I can say is I don't recommend buying a car from Porsche/Audi of Downtown LA. The safety inspection that should have caught this didn't and it missed several other things that I spotted at time of purchase (ie bald rear tires and a burned out headlight).
The repair work that was done was just enough to make it look as if nothing ever happened. The front in collision that I got into in April cause the clam to crack in the same location as the repair. Another reason why I preach that clams should be replaced and not repaired. Remember, the clams are injection molded and aren't your typical fiberglass part. Unless your body shop can cut the cracked portion off, please don't have it patched. The cracks will eventually walk at some point and you'll be right back where you started. The clam, as delicate as it is, will absorb some of the impact of a front end collision with the remainder of it being absorbed by the crash structure. This brings me to my second point: Do not ever repair the crash structure, have it replaced if it's damaged. Lotus says the same thing. The integrity of the crash structure is a vital part of what little safety we have in these cars. When the integrity of that part is compromised, you're gambling with your own safety.
So how could this damage have been caught? Well knowing what I do know, in my case it would have been visible by simpling looking in the front grill. I think that this is something more people should do when buying one of these cars. It take 2 seconds to do and could save you the headache that I went through.
There were some other telltale sign, that after being on LT for close to 7 months, that should have made me think. Any future owners:
1) if any of the front grill work isn't stock, question why. If there aren't any visible mount points and it looks like it's been done from the inside, the clam as been off. Ask why. There might be a reason but please ask.
2) If there's a portion of starshield missing, ask why. The starshield on the lower portion of my bumper wasn't there. I didn't realize that there should have been until several months later
3) look under the car. The clam has 2 bolts connecting it to the under tray. If those mount points on the clam are cracked or missing, ask why
4) take a look at the fitting of the clam in relationship to the fenders and the doors. The body shop immediately noticed that it wasn't lined up properly. Yes, it won't always be perfect because these cars are hand built, but if something stands out. You guessed it, ask why.
Now, these might only apply to me in my case but these are things to think of. It's take a lot for me to swallow my pride to admit that I missed some red flags because I didn't know enough about these cars. If 1 person learns from this and doesn't buy a car from a shady dealership/private party, then it's been worth it.
Anyone have anything to add (good or bad, my ego can take it at this point). At some point, I'll link this to the used car buying thread but I want to get some pictures up so that others know what I'm talking about.
How did you find the damage, and how bad is it?
