Does Replacing the Front Fender Count as a Salvage Vehicle?
2 Answers
Replacing a vehicle's fender qualifies it as a salvage vehicle, giving buyers the impression that the car has been repaired. Even if the vehicle's performance remains unchanged, buyers perceive it as not worth the normal market price, leading to depreciation. More details about salvage vehicles are as follows: 1. Collision: The vehicle has been involved in a collision, damaging the engine compartment and passenger compartment. 2. Fender: The body fender has been impacted, affecting an injury area exceeding one-third of the vehicle's body area. 3. Shock Absorber Mount: The shock absorber mount has undergone welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation. 4. Longitudinal Beam: There has been welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation.
I've also thought about this issue when repairing my car before. Replacing the front fender doesn't necessarily mean it's an accident vehicle—it depends on the repair reason and extent of damage. If it's just minor scratches or corrosion that caused the fender to be replaced, without affecting the frame or structural components, it usually doesn't count as an accident vehicle. An accident vehicle generally refers to one that has experienced a major collision affecting safety structures, such as a deformed engine mount. Minor repair records won't turn a car into an accident vehicle. However, be cautious when buying used cars and check the repair history to avoid hidden issues that could lead to driving hazards. I recommend car owners keep all repair receipts for future reference or resale. Safety should always come first, and regular maintenance can prevent many potential failures.
