Can Replacing a Fender Determine if a Car is a Salvage Vehicle?
2 Answers
Fenders are connected to the car body. If a car's fender has been replaced or cut, then it can be determined that the car is a salvage vehicle. Replacing the front fender has little effect on the car's performance, but it will affect the vehicle's resale value. Since replacing a fender classifies the car as a salvage vehicle, even if the car's performance remains unchanged, buyers will perceive it as not worth the normal market price, leading to depreciation. If a vehicle has been in a collision, the engine compartment and passenger compartment may be damaged. The shock absorber mounts may have been welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed. The longitudinal beams may have been welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed. Other non-removable parts may have severe welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation. If the car's airbags deployed due to the impact, or if the body was burned over an area exceeding 0.5 square meters and still poses safety risks after repair, the car is generally considered a salvage vehicle if any of the above conditions apply.
As a seasoned used car dealer with years of experience in the market, I've seen too many cases. Judging a car as salvaged solely based on a replaced fender is too hasty. Once, I came across a car with a brand-new left front fender, which immediately raised a red flag. However, upon checking the maintenance records, it turned out to be just a minor dent from a scooter scrape while parked, and only the fender was replaced. What you really need to watch out for is the replacement of the rear fender, as it's integrated with the car's frame. Cutting and replacing it usually indicates a severe rear-end collision. My advice is to feel along the edges of the fender for weld spots. Factory welds are neat and smooth, while aftermarket ones feel rough like toad skin. Also, check if the door gaps are even and if the paint meter readings on the A-pillar are abnormal—these details are more reliable. Remember, minor scratches leading to fender replacement don't affect safety, but if the frame rails are damaged, it's definitely a major accident car.
