I made a bicycle for a customer that had some kind of front end crash. It isn't obvious that there is a bulge under the head lugs until you look closely but when I rode it after the crash, its ride was certainly diminished. I'd be surprised if the fork blades aren't bent back some or they have been aligned again after the crash. If it was me and this damage was not revealed before money was exchanged I would demand a refund. It is the most likely reason the previous owner wanted to get rid of it.