Does replacing the rear trunk lid count as a damaged vehicle?

[Cox]

The rear trunk lid has undergone cutting and replacement, which qualifies it as a damaged vehicle. Below are the relevant details: 1. Rear-end collision: In a rear-end collision, the first part to be damaged is the rear bumper, followed by the rear panel. If the repair only involves hammering and straightening on a frame without cutting or welding, it does not count as a damaged vehicle. However, if cutting and replacement are involved, it is considered a damaged vehicle. 2. Repair or replacement depends on the situation: Generally, if the rear panel is slightly dented, it can be slowly pulled out using a frame or a pull hammer without cutting the rear panel. However, if the spare tire floor is severely deformed, especially if the frame is damaged, cutting the rear panel is unavoidable. The rear panel is removed, the frame and spare tire floor are straightened, and then a new rear panel is welded on.

[DiEvelyn]

Replacing the rear trunk lid doesn't necessarily mean it's an accident vehicle, here's my perspective: In actual repair scenarios, I've seen many similar cases where it might just be minor collisions or component aging that required fixing, like slight rear-end bumps during parking or years of weathering damaging the lid. If the damage was limited to exterior parts without affecting the vehicle's frame, suspension, or other critical components, and the overall safety and performance remain unaffected with reliable post-repair condition, then it shouldn't be casually categorized as an accident vehicle. The definition of an accident vehicle typically refers to cars repaired after severe collisions, with major repair records or structural damage. I recommend keeping repair receipts and conducting regular safety inspections for peace of mind. Don't overstress about depreciation or potential issues due to a minor replacement – a professional technician's inspection can provide clarity.

[SanIan]

Having been in the used car market for years, I often remind myself: replacing the rear trunk lid alone doesn't qualify a car as salvage. It might result from minor incidents like backing into a wall, and proper repairs won't affect driving safety. When buying used, I prioritize checking insurance records and maintenance history—if there are no major repairs like engine deformation or frame bending, a simple lid replacement isn't a dealbreaker. The key is comprehensive inspection including test drives and VIN reports. Seller concealment raises red flags, whereas timely repairs indicate good maintenance with minimal value drop. Remember, the salvage title applies only to vehicles with severe structural damage.

[MacLogan]

I don't think replacing a trunk lid is that serious, it doesn't qualify as an accident vehicle. I've experienced something similar myself while driving—the lid got scratched in a parking lot, but after replacing it with a new part, the car drove just fine with no impact at all. The vehicle condition was normal, with power and braking performing as usual. As long as there's no history of major accidents like rollovers or severe rear-end collisions requiring repairs, there's no need to worry excessively. Choosing an authorized repair shop and using genuine parts is crucial during repairs. Regular maintenance checks can prevent minor issues from escalating.