Oooops.....! You don't want to do it like that....

[KEEFYP]

Other reports are saying they may all be scrapped, based on events a few years ago when a ship beached with a few hundred mazdas on board - the cars were apparently undamaged but Mazda didn't want any legal problems down the line if the cars were involved in a crash.

2006, MV Cougar Ace in the north Pacific with cars bound for the litigious US market was the incident.

Once repaired they are probably better built than new.

 

[Nod]

How do you actually know any 'new' car hasn't been crashed and repaired before you take ownership?

The re-floating operation has been called off for today.

Quite simply, you don't, you just have to trust the dealer to tell you the whole truth.

 

[Yv]

Look slike its on the move.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-30716023

 

[SaintSLR]

Looks like it's managed to re-float itself today. Currently being towed to new area.

 

[Bristolian]

Quite simply, you don't, you just have to trust the dealer to tell you the whole truth.

If the car is damaged at the port of import (like Royal Portbury, etc.) then the dealer wouldn't even know about it. Having witnessed how they're driven to and from the holding areas - drive it like you stole it comes to mind - I'm surprised any of them leave without panel damage or blown engine bearings.