Driver Takes Criticism for Listing Wrecked Dodge Challenger for $3K Shortly After Accident – While He Shares Photos of Accident in Ad

A DRIVER crashed his Dodge Challenger after driving during a storm and immediately photographed the damage to put it up for sale.

The listing announced that the Challenger would have a five-star NHSTA crash test rating.

3

3

3

Isaiah Bowens, a driver in Lithia Springs, Georgia, crashed his 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T while driving on a major highway during a thunderstorm.

Fresh from the accident, he exited his wrecked muscle car and immediately took three photos of the vehicle before listing it on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000.

“Title in hand! Engine is still intact,” Bowens wrote in the seller’s description.

“Selling As Is… Make Your Best Offer!”

The front end suffered more damage, with the front bumper, grille and headlights completely missing.

The radiator was pushed into the engine and the subframe was visibly bent inward, showing extensive damage to the engine.

The passenger side panels were bent outward and the driver’s side panel was completely dislocated from the driver’s door.

The hood of the car was also pushed towards the windshield.

The rear also showed how strong the impact was.

The driver’s side of the truck caved in, destroying the taillight.

The trunk lid is forced to remain open while the lock is bent due to the accident.

In video of the accident, Bowens appeared excited.

“The structure is still practically intact,” he said, revealing how much the rear of the vehicle was damaged.

“Come get this thing, man. The engine’s intact, it starts. Everything kind of fell out of the front.”

He jumped into the driver’s seat to show that, surprisingly, the engine still draws power from the battery and the dashboard lights up when he turns the key.

Without hesitation, he hit the brakes and pressed the starter button, and the Challenger roared to life.

In the listing, the Facebook post showed the Challenger having a five-star safety rating in the NHSTA crash test, and their ability to film and post the car fresh from an accident proved that.

Tips for buying a used car

When shopping for a used car, the experts at US News & World Report offer some tips before you hit the sales lot.

1. Set a realistic budget. Some cars are more expensive to insure and register than others, depending on the engine type, body style, weight and number of doors. Before you get ripped off by a slick salesman, it’s important to know what you can and can’t afford.
2. Researching which car best suits your lifestyle can save you a lot of time. Would a sedan work better for your garage or narrow street? Would a truck meet transportation or towing needs? Knowing what meets your needs can narrow down your options.
3. Look for certified pre-owned cars. Certified pre-owned cars are backed by the manufacturer and come with comprehensive warranties at affordable prices. Some manufacturers have better deals on CPO cars, so shop around carefully.
4. Not all financing options are created equal. Depending on where you intend to finance, if this is on the table, be very careful about who you finance. Your best option would be to get pre-approved by your bank before coming in to get an idea of ​​what rates are affordable and give the dealership an incentive to meet or beat those rates.
5. Consider a used car inspection. Depending on where you are purchasing a vehicle, you may choose to pay around $200 for a used car inspection to have major components examined by an expert.
6. Consider a vehicle history report. When things get close to signing, purchasing a VIN-based vehicle history report can help shed light on previous owners, maintenance records (if it was taken to a dealership), title status and more.

Source: US News and World Report

The Drive’s viewers article At the listing I felt that, while insane, the price wasn’t that far off.

“$3,000 for this broken toy is probably about right,” one viewer wrote.

“Glass appears to be intact, some body panels and wheels are not bent, non-airbag interior parts may be salvageable, transmission and rear axle are probably fine, engine may be fine, without front accessories.”

Some think the Challenger is doomed to be someone else’s parts car.

“This is not just a direct hit to the front that may require some pulling, now you have the rear end with the car out of balance,” they wrote.

“This is a car with parts that will cost $1,500 to $2,000.”

Many viewers felt that the high mileage of 150,000 miles made the price questionable.

“$3,000 for 150,000 miles, I don’t know,” they said.

“With that much mileage, I don’t think so. The frame is probably unstable.”