Brake/chassis Noise When Hard Braking

[micks04]

I am buying a 2000 RX300 for $19,000, but the Check Engine Light is on and there is a sound when braking hard (Sound comes upon vehicle stopped). Car has 47K miles. There were 2 owners. According to Carfax there was a left rear end accident back in 2000. Should be of concern of any frame damage? Check engine light could be anything, but would this cost more than 1K to fix? About the brakes, the owner said that he had replaced the brakes with an aftermarket pads, and from an independent mechanic. Is this a good deal and I'm just being too cautious about it? Need advice please.

[RX in NC]

My rule of thumb is if the vehicle has been in ANY accident, it is always an extreme case of buyer beware. I wouldn't buy it. Good luck if you decide to.

[Thienn]

I would not touch any car that had been in an accident! You will never know how severe the accident was or if it got fix correctly.

[JDOwen2]

If your're serious about this purchase have an independent inspection done. The noise while braking may be an ABS issue. Did the second owner have the collision work done? Receipts? The inspection should tell you what codes are present. A possible negotiation tool to lower the price.