Used Cars: Avoid Buying An Accident Survivor
Buying a used car is a great alternative to buying or leasing a new car. It’s less expensive and you won’t need to pay for the depreciation that all new cars endure during their first few years. That said, used cars represent a unique risk: they might have been involved in an traffic accident. At first, this may not seem significant. However, there are many used vehicles being sold that were deemed “totaled” by the insurance companies. They may be accident survivors, but will likely leave you stranded. Below, I’ll explain how you can avoid buying a used car that has “survived” an accident.
Get A Vehicle History Report
Before you purchase a used car, you should always order a vehicle history report. These reports will list whether the car has been in an accident and how many people have owned it. The information on the reports is gathered from auto repair shops, dealerships, and other sources from around the country. It’s a quick way to tell whether the used car you’re considering has structural damage from a past collision, fluid leaks, or other warning signs. The report should cost under $20.
Have A Diagnostic Check Performed
Always have an experienced mechanic run a diagnostic check on a used car prior to your buying it. Let him know that you’d like to him to look for any evidence of a past collision. Even before the technician runs the diagnostic test, he’ll be able to put the car on lifts and identify damage that seems out of place. Once he runs the test, he can check for any parts or systems under the hood that aren’t working properly. The diagnostic test will cost between $40 and $80. It’s well worth the investment.
Check, But Verify
You might be surprised by how much you can learn about a car simply be examining it with your own eyes. For example, look at the paint. Used cars that have survived accidents will typically have received a quick paint job. A telltale sign is specks of paint on chrome or plastic car parts. Look at the floorboard near the pedals. You may be able to identify signs of flooding and water damage. Also, start the car and watch the dashboard. You should see an indicator for the airbags. If you don’t, that may suggest that the airbags were removed after being deployed during a collision.
Whenever you buy a used vehicle, check things over with your own eyes. But, that should only be your first line of defense. Always invest in a vehicle history report. And always have a mechanic run a diagnostic check. That’s the surest way to avoid buying an accident “survivor.”