How do I know if a used car had major damage in the past or if it was in an accident?

Cars that were part of a major accident in the past are the ones that a potential used car buyer must avoid

. These cars probably have sustained major damage in the past damage that has an irreversible and adverse effect not only on the vehicle's performance but also on its longevity. Thus, it is important for a prospective used car buyer to know how to identify cars that had damage in the past even if the sellers did everything they can to conceal it.

Here is a list of car parts and areas that must be inspected. These areas of the car are the ones which are most vulnerable to damage in the event of the collision. Further, these are also the areas that are immensely difficult to restore to their pristine, just-got-out-of-the-factory condition.

First, check the UVIP.

Every used car seller is required by law to have a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) in hand so that potential buyers can check them anytime. This must be the first thing that must be inspected before even bothering to check the car. The UVIP contains extensive information about the car's history, along with accidents that it has encountered in the past.

If there was an entry in the UVIP that confirms that the car was actually a part of an accident, stay away from that car. It probably has sustained enough damage to cause major headaches in the future. However, do not forget to check the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and compare it against the VIN listed on the UVIP. You might be looking at a different car's VIN to begin with.

But then, no matter how convincing the UVIP looks like, do not forget to perform an inspection yourself. The UVIP must serve only as the first line of defense. Just like any other document, it has weaknesses that can be very easily exploited by car selling experts who know that twists and turns of government regulation.

Second, check the body.

Upon inspection, your reflection on the body should be perfectly smooth and consistent. It must not be warped or convoluted, as this is evidence of bodywork that has been done to mask the evidence of damage from a collision. Major damage on the body is very difficult to mask perfectly, and very few car shops are capable of doing a near-perfect job.

Furthermore, check if there are uncharacteristic welds in between the front and rear doors in either side. The presence of such is an indication that the car you are looking at are one of those salvaged vehicles that were chopped and reconnected. By no means should you even waste an iota interest on these vehicles.

Doors should be capable of closing easily and should be perfectly aligned with the rest of the body. Cars that were part of a massive collision in the past usually sustain damage on most of its moving parts including the hinges on its doors. Look for welds and other signs of repair work on the hinges.

Lastly, lift the hood, look underneath, and check the trunk.

Raise the hood and look for repairs done on the engine or on the car's frame. If shoddy welding work can be found on the area near the car's front grills or anywhere underneath the hood, stay away from that car. These cars probably had a head-on collision in the past, thus warranting repair work in that area.

Afterwards, look at the trunk compartment. Look at the side walls for similar symptoms of repair work. Furthermore, lift the floor cover and check for damage underneath. This is the area that is most often neglected by repair technicians, either because they usually forget it, or that the repairs would simply be too costly.

How do I know if a used car had major damage in the past or if it was in an accident?

By: Jim Baz

POST COMMENT

What are the miscellaneous fees/expenses that are associated with buying a used car? Using A Car Jack: Important Points Boston Bruins Vs HC Bili Tygri Liberec Live Streaming Video Soapcast Broadcast Online NHL Hockey Soapcast internet tv October 5,2010 Columbus Blue Jackets Vs Malmo Redhawks Live Streaming Video Soapcast Broadcast Online NHL Hockey Soapcast internet tv October 5,2010 Charlotte Bobcats Vs Cleveland Cavaliers Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 New Jersey Nets Vs Philadelphia 76ers Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 Detroit Pistons Vs Miami Heat Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 Chicago Bulls Vs Milwaukee Bucks Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 Consejo Para Emprendedores: La Pasión Es El Punto De Partida Del Negocio Exitoso About Purchasing Cars from Direct Dealers Washington Wizards Vs Dallas Mavericks Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 Orlando Magic Vs Houston Rockets Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010 Los Angeles Clippers Vs Portland Trail Blazers Live Video Streaming NBA Basketball broadcast Best Quality soapcast internet coverage October 5,2010