6 different ways to learn about a car that’s involved in an accident

April 12, 2022 9:36 am

Once a car has been involved in an accident; especially a major one, it is often considered unsafe and unreliable. Even after undergoing a major repair and makeover, there could still be signs of weakness and hidden damages in various parts of the car.

Buying used cars that are still functional despite being involved in a major accident would definitely help you get better deals, but the risk factors associated with it will always be high. However, if you are a car buyer with an open mind you could make a smart deal; provided you do your homework.

Let’s now have a look at the 6 different ways to learn about a car that’s been in an accident:

 

1. Check the car history 

If you are going to buy a used car, knowing its history is one of the most significant things you should do before making a call regarding the purchase.

While buying a used car from its owner, you cannot expect the car owner to tell you each and every information about the car; especially its accident history. They tend to withhold such information so as to avoid the bargain and for a speedy sale.

However, as a buyer, it’s your right to know about the car you are going to own, and therefore feel free to ask them directly about the car’s accident history, inspect the service records, insurance, and theft history.

 

2. Inspect the exterior and interior

Once the documents and records of the car you are interested in are checked and learned to be fine, you can move on to the car and inspect it thoroughly.

Starting with the exterior or body, look out for traces of scratches and dents (proof of minor accidents) panel gaps or door gaps (distortions from major accidents), check chassis (if it’s even or not), engine bay (for leakages and condition) and if the car has been repainted (look for uneven filling or inconsistent shades).

Inside the car, check the airbag panel’s color (shiny ones suggest that they were replaced following an accident) and the seatbelts (wear and tear).

 

3. Take a test drive

After a thorough check of the car (both exterior and interior) and if you don’t spot anything serious, or if you’re ok about its present condition, you can consider taking it out for a test drive. Taking a test drive is a best decision to do before buying a used car.

Instead of just starting it or taking a small spin around the lot, take it out for a proper drive and pay close attention to how it feels at different paces and roads. Any strange sound or discomfort you feel while driving the vehicle could be a sign that the car is in need of an essential repair or is having some problem that can torment the car and therefore you in the future.

 

4. Communication

If you come across any deformities or inconsistencies while inspecting the car, feel free to ask the owner or the concerned person for an explanation regarding the same.

While buying a used car directly from its owner, you can figure out a lot about the sincerity and the actual condition of the car from the owner’s very attitude in addressing your queries and concerns.

If you do not consider the explanations convincing, you should not rush to commit to buying it or agreeing on any financial transactions.

 

5. Consider the insurance cost

As car insurance is essential while re-registering the title ownership of a used car, it is important that you have an idea about how much extra money you would be putting into the vehicle you’re purchasing.

It isn’t a great idea to buy a “salvage title car” which is an official indication that the car has been damaged is therefore considered to be a total loss by an insurance company that remunerated on a damaged vehicle claim. Therefore, for securing your insurance, always make sure that the product you’re purchasing is more of an asset than a liability.

 

6. Seek help from professionals

After learning about a used car through the above-mentioned parameters and you’re still considering owning it, you can do a pre-owned car inspection to make a better-informed decision regarding your used car purchase.

With over many years of expertise, Pal Auto Garage provides extensive pre-owned car inspection in Dubai with multiple checkpoints such as age, mileage, safety, emissions, etc which will highlight all the necessary findings to help you with your purchase.

To learn more about our Pal Auto Garage’s pre-owned car inspection, please feel free to get in touch with us: https://www.palautogarage.com/contact-us/