Pros and Cons Of Buying A Car That Has Been in an Accident

A large proportion of global consumers would consider purchasing used vehicles when buying cars.

Preference for used cars has several reasons, including the following:

1. Consistent rise in the cost of new vehicles,
2. A drop in wholesale used car prices
3. A wide range of choices
4. Lower environmental impact
5. Slower depreciation
6. Easier financing options ability to cut costs on registration and insurance fees

Most cars on the road have sustained damage or been in an accident. Unfortunately, only a few dealers will disclose the details when buying a car with an accident history.

Though purchasing a used car that has been in an accident may offer great savings potential, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of buying such a vehicle. Driving a vehicle that has previously been in an accident is generally unsafe.

Should You Buy a Car That Has Been in an Accident?

Consumers often get great deals on used vehicles. However, the choice of buying a pre-owned car that has been in an accident depends primarily on a person’s preference, how bad the accident is, and the part of the vehicle that got damaged and repaired as a result of the accident.

Imagine finding a pre-owned car that has everything you want – a perfect model vehicle, clear sound, the right model year, fits into your budget, and an appealing interior package. The only issue is that it has been in an accident, making it a dangerous offer. Should you skip the offer? Not necessarily. Before purchasing a used vehicle that has been in an accident, just do some research to determine the degree of the accident and the type of damage.

Cosmetic Damage

Generally, a car that got into an accident and sustained small cosmetic damage should not necessarily be a deal breaker. That kind of damage can easily be fixed. For instance, scratches, dents, and dings on a vehicle are largely cosmetic damage and will not impact the safe operation of any vehicle.

Structural Damage

Unlike cosmetic damage, structural damage affects more than the mere appearance of the vehicle. It typically compromises the car’s main support framework integrity. Structural damage may cause issues such as suspension problems, unusual noises, potential instability of the vehicle due to a damaged frame (handling issues), misalignment, and decreased performance. These issues significantly impact a used, accident vehicle’s safety and value.

While buying a car with an accident history may sometimes be a good deal, it is important to exercise caution. Professional inspections by mechanics are usually recommended when purchasing any car that has been in an accident. Typically, inspections should be done on dry land, on a level surface, and in daylight. The professional will generally assess things like the body conditions, suspension, roof, trunk, tailpipe, and underneath of the car (particularly the frame) to determine the severity of the accident.

Pros of Buying a Car with an Accident History

1. One major motivation for buying a car that has been in an accident is the opportunity to save some money. Typically, accident vehicles are priced notably lower. Knowing a car’s accident history and the level of repairs can enable the buyer to strengthen their positions in negotiating the price.
2. Another advantage of buying a car with an accident history is that it offers the buyer a unique opportunity to improve its condition post-accident and own a vehicle tailored to their style.
3. Furthermore, when someone buys a car with an accident history and spends a sizable amount on repairs by professionals, it is possible to sell it at a higher value, particularly if it is restored to its original condition and with certain improvements.
4. In addition, purchasing vehicles with minor accidents that have been certified pre-owned (CPO) can provide consumers with a level of assurance and peace of mind. Generally, CPO vehicles are used cars that have undergone inspections and repairs to meet certain quality standards.

Cons of Buying a Car with an Accident History

1. Regardless of the extent of repairs, buying a car that has been in an accident is risky and may not be safe to drive, considering it may have potential hidden damages, including electrical issues, structural problems, and issues with other internal components.
2. Some of these issues may not be disclosed when purchasing an accident vehicle, even after a thorough inspection by a professional.
3. Another disadvantage is that the market value of a vehicle will significantly crash once it is involved in a crash, even if such a car is restored to its pre-accident condition. So, this can make it difficult for anyone buying a car with an accident history to resell it at a competitive price if and when they decide to resell.
4. Furthermore, insurance companies tend to charge higher premiums for vehicles with a history of accidents. On some occasions, they may offer limited coverage options instead of high insurance premiums.

Legal Complications

Beyond safety concerns, the potential high cost of maintenance, and possible high insurance premiums, buying a car with an accident history may also have some legal implications for both the dealer (or private seller) and the buyer.

For instance, when such a car is involved in a new accident, it could be hard to determine who takes up the liability. This especially becomes more complex if the car’s already compromised integrity plays a significant role in the severity of the new accident.

When faced with legal issues of this nature, it is best to consult with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help consumers understand their rights and avoid potential liability.

How to See If a Car Has Been in an Accident

One crucial question anyone who intends to buy a used car may likely ask the seller is, “Has this car been in an accident?” There are several ways to know this.

Looking Up a Vehicle History

Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) – approved data providers like GoodCar, Carfax, and AutoCheck to check a car’s history report can reveal whether it has ever been involved in an accident. A comprehensive vehicle history report using any such providers will disclose the full accident history of a vehicle, including the number of times it has been involved in crashes, the severity, the degree of damage, the extent of repairs, and the amount spent on such repairs.

Physically Inspecting a Car

When performing a physical inspection it is crucial to look out for inconsistent panels, such as unaligned fenders and doors. If you find unusual gaps in between body panels, it could be a sign that the car has been in an accident. You should also look for mismatched paint. Uneven paint texture is a sign of overspray, which may be an attempt to cover up damage from an accident.

Checking Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Records

Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require that collisions or accidents that meet certain criteria are reported. While these reports are primarily used to support claims from uninsured or underinsured motorists, they are also a good way to know if a car has been in an accident.

Using Insurance Databases

Data provided by insurance providers can help determine if a car has been in an accident and the extent of damage sustained. Typically, insurance companies maintain records of accident claims, which the public may access through vehicle history reports. It only takes a car’s registration and details to find a vehicle’s history, including accident records, on insurance databases.

To Sum Up

Although buying a car with an accident history can save someone a lot of money, the damage sustained from such an accident may be long-lasting and could lead to other issues in the long run. As a result, the new owner may find themselves spending a fortune on costly repairs down the road.

So, before purchasing a used vehicle that has been in an accident, it is important to thoroughly weigh the options to avoid future regrets. If looking to buy one, make sure to use the service of a professional for physical inspection and conduct vehicle history lookups using reliable VIN check services. Where there are unresolved legal issues tied to a car’s vehicle history, employing the services of an experienced attorney is recommended.