Purchasing a used car can be a great way to save money, but it requires a lot of experience and knowledge to choose the perfect one. With advancements in welding technology, it’s now easier than ever to repair severely damaged vehicles affected by accidents, and these “reconditioned” cars can be challenging for inexperienced buyers to spot.
Scotty Kilmer, an automotive expert with over 50 years of experience, understands the concerns of potential used car buyers. He has shared some clever tricks to help individuals easily identify and purchase a perfect used car while avoiding collision-damaged vehicles.
Check for gaps in the car’s panels to determine if it has been in an accident. Image: Carman
According to Kilmer, one effective way to inspect a car’s body is to use your car key to check for gaps in the body panels. “The gaps between body panels should be consistent, and you can use the edge of your key to check for any inconsistencies,” he explains. If you notice uneven gaps compared to other areas, it indicates that the car has likely been in an accident and had body work done.
Kilmer also recommends using a magnet to check for collision damage. With his extensive experience, he points out that scratches, cracks, and even punctures can be filled and painted over by car repair shops to make them less noticeable. “These fillers are non-magnetic, so if you run a magnet over the car’s exterior and it doesn’t stick, it’s a sign that the area may have been repaired,” Kilmer adds.
Additionally, Kilmer suggests a simple visual inspection to identify if a car has been in an accident. “Look at the car’s paint under direct sunlight,” he advises. “If you notice any color discrepancies or areas that appear newer than the surrounding paint, it’s likely that the car has been repainted due to an accident or significant scratches.”
If you’re buying a car at night, a large torch can provide enough light to perform this inspection.
Checking the maintenance history is also a good idea when buying a used car. Image: Vinacee
By following these valuable tips from Scotty Kilmer, individuals in Vietnam can make informed decisions when purchasing used cars. It is also recommended to review the maintenance history of a used car within the manufacturer’s network. A transparent and consistent maintenance history indicates that the car is less likely to have been in an accident. On the other hand, irregular and abnormal maintenance records are red flags, and it’s best to avoid purchasing such vehicles.
Source: Vietnamnet
Should New Drivers Buy a Used Car or a New Car
Whether to buy a used or new car depends on your decision-making process. Consider the following analysis to make an informed choice.
How to Tell if a Used Car Has a Rolled-Back Odometer
Many used-car buyers are concerned about odometer fraud, where the mileage is rolled back to make the vehicle appear less used. How can you detect this deception?
Motorcycle Title Transfer Procedure 2022 – A Comprehensive Guide to Navigate the Process Seamlessly
The process of transferring motorcycle ownership is an essential step in legitimizing the sale or exchange of used motorcycles. This guide aims to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the procedures involved in transferring ownership of a used motorcycle, whether it’s within the same province or between different provinces.
