When you start shopping for a used car, you know that you have to be willing to give up certain features. But the hope is that you will get a great car in the end. However, what happens when you find the perfect car and you discover it has been in an accident? Should you move forward with the sale or pick a different vehicle?
Believe it or not, 40 percent of cars on the road today have suffered some type of damage. So the chances of finding a used car with a history of damage is not uncommon. If you’re looking for a great deal, it’s important not to discount these types of vehicles.
Below is more information on buying a car that has been in an accident.
Determine How Bad the Accident Was
The first thing to do is find out how bad the accident was. You can get this information from a Carfax report. Minor damage might only be a dent or scrape. But a major accident is a red flag. However, it’s possible for the Carfax report to be inaccurate at times.
For instance, if there were four cars involved in the crash and three had severe damage, the undamaged car might also get noted as having major damage. This is why it’s important to have the car inspected so that you know what you’re buying.
Inspect the Vehicle
Here at RepoFinder, we always recommend having used and repo cars inspected regardless of what the Carfax report says. Most mechanics can quickly identify a car that’s had paintwork. But remember, even if the vehicle was in an accident, it’s not the end of the world. Millions of cars are involved in crashes each year, and with proper work, are perfectly fine to drive again. Which brings us to our next point.
Find Out Who Did the Repairs
A major point to consider is who fixed the vehicle, as this will determine the quality of the repair. Your mechanic should be able to tell you how the job looks by evaluating how the paint colors match, how the panels fit together and so forth. If there’s any indication that corners were cut, it’s best to stay away from the vehicle.
Know the Title Status
Another important element is the title status. In many states, a salvage title is issued when the damage exceeds the current value of the car. A rebuilt title is issued when a car has been inspected by the state and has met certain safety criteria. These types of titles can never be changed so the next buyer will know that the car has been in an accident.
Final Thoughts
So should you purchase a used or repo vehicle that has been in an accident? Maybe. With so many cars being involved in accidents each year, it’s difficult to omit them all from your search. And many of these accidents are minor, with only light dings and scratches, so they won’t affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
As always, the key is to do your research, have a mechanic or someone who knows a lot about cars inspect the vehicle and do a title and vehicle history search. To start browsing for safe, dependable cars at affordable prices, count on RepoFinder.