Quick Facts About Buying a Used Car With an Accident History
- Obtain a vehicle history report to determine the scope of the used car’s accident.
- Consider the accident car’s title status.
- Reselling a car with an accident history may be more challenging in the future.
It’s easier than ever to tell if a car you’re considering was in a crash. For many shoppers, using vehicle history report services like AutoCheck means you get fast answers. What if the information reveals some bad news, such as past damage? Should you buy a car with an accident in its history? We provide a few suggestions.
- How Bad Was the Car Crash?
- Check It Out
- Who Fixed the Car?
- Title Status
- Resale Value After a Car Crash
How Bad Was the Car Crash?
When you find an “accident car” you like, determine how bad the accident was.
“Today, there’s less risk in buying a car that’s been in a collision,” says Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “There are so many online tools that can help a potential buyer know the history of a car.”
Most times services like AutoCheck will report this information. For example, a vehicle history report on a used 2015 Jaguar XF shows that the vehicle sustained damage in a “minor accident.” It also describes the accident as a collision with damage to the rear end, and the airbags didn’t deploy. That’s less worrisome than “major damage,” which could mean the vehicle got towed from the crash site.
However, it’s good to note that not all vehicle history reports show car crashes because some go unreported and get fixed through private means.
“While vehicle history reports aren’t perfect, they can help weed out cars that have known issues,” Moody said. “Stay away from any car that has fire, flood, or frame damage.”
That’s why you need to count on doing a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Read on to find out more.
What Does Minor Accident on a Car Report Mean?
When “minor accident” appears on a vehicle history report, it usually refers to mostly cosmetic damage: dents, dings, and scratches. Generally, whatever damage occurred didn’t impact safe operation of the vehicle.
What Are the Risks of Buying a Car That Was in an Accident?
The risks of buying a car that has been involved in an accident range from practically zero to high, depending on the severity of the accident. Determining how much damage was done to a vehicle in a crash may involve some detective work. Often, the severity is categorized on the vehicle’s history report, running from Minor to Severe. Crashes causing moderate or severe damage could pose some risks, particularly if the repairs weren’t properly made. Here are some of the issues you might encounter.
- Lost value: Buying a used car with a collision in its history can mean it will be worth even less when you try to sell it or trade it in.
- Subpar repairs: Poor workmanship or cheap parts can come back to haunt you years after buying a vehicle with a crash in its past.
- Future problems: Potentially higher car insurance premiums and accelerated wear and tear on affected components are just a couple of the unexpected issues that can arise from a crashed car.
Check It Out
If the car history report raises any red flags or questions, we recommend taking the car to a trusted mechanic or body shop. We certainly suggest taking the vehicle to a mechanic or body shop you know and not one through the seller.
Most mechanics or body shops can quickly identify a car that’s had paintwork. Many can find evidence of a prior car crash underneath painted panels. But if a car is a really good deal, that alone isn’t a reason to panic. After all, thousands of cars are in accidents — especially minor ones — every year. Does that mean they should never be considered again?
Watch for vehicles with frame damage. Signs include unusual tread wear, alignment problems, and cracking noises or other sounds. A mechanic can spot the damage.
Who Fixed the Car?
Another major factor is figuring out the quality of the repair. Who fixed it? Was it a “factory” body shop with ties to the automaker? Or was it a cheap repair job done as quickly as possible? Your mechanic can give you their opinion. But if paint colors don’t match or panels don’t properly fit, that’s a sign it wasn’t a thorough fix — and there could be more issues lurking underneath.
We also recommend looking at emblems and badges. A car that got hit in the back and lost its emblems may be a sign that the body shop cut corners on the repair.
Moody said, “Look for obvious signs of damage or distress. Body panels that are misaligned, paint on the windows, headlights, or taillights, and missing logos or badges are all signs that the car has been in an accident, then repaired.”
Title Status
The biggest thing to consider when you’re thinking about buying an accident car is its title status. In many states, a salvage title is issued to a vehicle in which the cost of repairs exceeds its present value. Meanwhile, a rebuilt title is issued when a repaired car has been inspected by the state and meets specific safety criteria.
In both cases, a so-called branded title is a mark that will stay with the car forever. A rebuilt title can never be altered, so the next buyer will know the car has been in an accident. Also, some automobile insurers won’t provide coverage for cars with rebuilt titles since it’s difficult to know their value and condition. As a result, we generally suggest staying away from used cars with rebuilt or salvage titles.
“Whether it’s a rebuilt title or just a fender bender, always ask the seller to see photos of the damage prior to the repair,” said Moody. “There’s a good chance the car was repaired properly. However, having a healthy amount of skepticism is important.”
Resale Value After a Car Crash
One last consideration with accident cars is their resale value. If you buy a car knowing it was in an accident, the next buyer will easily find out the same thing. So, while you’re paying less upfront for your vehicle, remember you probably won’t get as much when you go to sell it — and keep in mind that your car may be a tough sell.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was initially published.
