And the real answer is first buy a good vehicle history (like Carfax) and find out why/where the incident occurred. This should also tell you what on the car was damaged. If it passes that test then a careful inspection and drive is advisable. Take a good Merc scan tool and check for buried codes. Put on a lift or a curb and check underneath carefully. Then make a decision. Of course that s because you needed to ask.

I just bought a running/driving Salvage/Rebuilt SLK230 with a five speed from CL simply because the price was so low (three digits) and cosmetics are good/no rust. I do need to go through the wiring and replace a lot of interior trim but no big. Is something I can put in the garage and spend a few months on it.

ps my collector policy had no problem adding it, just had to send some photographs.