Hey, new Camry owner looking for advice here. I have just purchased a 2018 Camry SE (first car purchase, whoo hoo) and have now been worried by my mechanic regarding the new car, so I'd love any second opinions or advice anyone would be willing to offer.

When I bought the car initially, I had a friend with me with some mechanic history, who said it seemed in good condition and had a good price. After taking it to my mechanic, I was told that the car was "no good", and the car had been struck in the Rear Passenger-side above the tire, resulting in "the frame being shifted in 1 inch" (I believe this is how he phrased it). He noted other more minor problems that I can definitely afford, but I don't having a firm understanding on the ramifications of "the frame being shifted in 1 inch."

I bought the car used knowing it wouldn't be in mint condition, but I wasn't looking to drop the couple of thousand of dollars on a repair (as my mechanic estimates) right after buying it, especially not during the current crisis. My mechanic is very particular when it comes to the cars he works on (which is normally an excellent attribute), but I'm really looking to find out how severe this problem is. Is this a "Get rid of this car immediately" problem as my mechanic makes it sound, or "just keep an eye on the tire wear from now on", or "it's just cosmetic, no big deal."

Apologies for the long post, but I'm kind of a ball of anxiety now, wondering if I seriously screwed up buying my first car. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

On what basis did your mechanic conclude the "frame" was bent?

Is there visible damage and if so can you provide pictures?

The car does not have a real frame which the body attaches to. The car has something called subframes which are located at the front and back of the car. To this subframe the engine and or suspension is mounted.

Have you driven the car? If so does it steer straight or does it pull to one side or the other. How does the car handle at various speeds including when going around curves? Do you feel safe when driving the car?

If you have a friend with another car have them follow behind you. Ask them to watch if the cars rear wheels are following the front wheels. A bent body can result in the rear wheels not following in the same path as the front but slightly to one side or the other. The cars body is then driving down the road at a slight angle because the body is bent.

Just because the body is bent and not aligned does not mean the car is unsafe to drive!

Typically issues of a bent body are increased tire wear because the tires are not running straight/in the proper location and handling issues.

A bent body is more the cosmetic and can be very expensive to repair! This is because it takes specialized equipment and training to pull the cars body back into alignment.
Drive the car under a host of conditions. Have someone follow you to check if the cars body is moving straight when going down the road. If the car drives OK and appears to move straight (or straight enough) your main issue may be increased tire wear.

A car with a bent body is worth less then an undamaged car. If you sell it expect to take hit in price because of the damaged body.

 

Thanks for the quick response!

As for the basis, I’m not entirely sure. My mechanic is occasionally a bit difficult to understand, but he indicated an area above the tire that was slightly depressed inwards and then showed me how the car is supposed to look in the same area on the Drivers-Side.

I will gladly provide pictures tomorrow when I’m off work.

I have driven the car approximately 100 miles since purchase, a combination of interstate and city miles. So far I haven’t noted anything abnormal about the handling. The car does not pull to a side, and I can’t think of any instances of the car turning oddly. And yes for safety. I really wouldn’t have known there was a problem with the car until I spoke to my mechanic (which was after about 3-4 days of driving the car).

Will try having a friend follow and let you know.

Unfortunately upon purchase, the back tires were in very good condition (used but not old enough to see a distinctive wear pattern), but I can certainly keep an eye on it.

So at this point, it sounds like a problem that should probably be fixed, but also one that if I don’t fix it immediately, it won’t worsen (I understand it’s difficult to say without pictures/seeing the car).

Thank you again! Will post pictures tomorrow.

 

Drivers side: Undamaged side

Passenger side: incorrect curve, according to mechanic

Dented panel

Previous picture’s panel, sitting with bumper

Sorry for poor lighting. Let me know if additional are needed.

 

Additionally, on my way home I did noticed a very slight pull to the left, when both hands were off wheel. It’s slight enough that I didn’t notice when driving, and maybe related to the front alignment (which is badly unaligned)?

 

Does the body have a dent? If so can't see it.

The drivers and passengers sides mirror each other. If the car was supposed to be damaged on the passengers side then this side can be compared to the drivers side. This includes paint color, paint texture, gaps between body parts, etc.

Get a tape measure and check clearances such as fender to tire on each side and compare.

Review the article at the link below then do comparison.

https://www.samarins.com/check/bodycond.html

View the paint and body under good sunlight and watching the light as its reflected off the car.

As to the car pulling left or right this can also be related to road conditions, tire pressure and tire alignment.