I advise folks to look at damage history with a carefully measured grain of salt.
Here is my thought process (a restatement of some of the responses already):
1) Would I kill the deal over damage history. NO...provided that it was properly documented on 337...next question.
2) Would I demand a lower negotiated price, YES. The planes value is diminished by damage history even when done correctly and is not overly apparent.
3)Would I live in fear of the repairs...Certainly not if done right. They are probably more sound than the rest of the aircraft.
I had the same situation arise when I bought my Cardinal. Owner wanted $65K said NO DAMAGE HISTORY in all my correspondance and discussions. Buy/Sell agreement and deposit stipulated acceptable pre-buy and review of logs to MY satisfaction. Internet research (searched NTSB by tail number) turned up a "Whoops" when they ran it in a ditch in 1977. Another "Whoops" showed up in the logs (engine sudden stoppage) in 1995. I reviewed the logs and there was a replacement of the left outer wing panels and ribs with the 1977 incident. Well documented by a shop still in business (who remembers the plane as it was based with the same owner before the recent guy for 20 plus years).
I made a low ball offer backing it up with NAAA Evaluator data, he countered, I walked....he chased after me. I now own the Cardinal. The plane wasn't perfect, and I still ended up putting some $$ into it, but do not feel I am into a loser yet. I am quite happy with the "Redbird" and I don't give a second thought to the wing repair.
Oh...and if you do walk and he doesn't want to refund the deposit (his problem not making proper disclosure, not yours), visit with him when you have the Small Claims Court notice of appearance served to see if he has a change in heart.
