How Should a Car Be Considered as an Accident Vehicle?

[Simoes]

An accident vehicle, as the name suggests, is a car that has been involved in a major accident. Accident vehicles are relatively cheaper, but they come with higher maintenance costs later on, and their resale value is also significantly lower. Driving such a car can pose greater risks to personal safety. When a car has been involved in a major accident: the subsequent repair costs will be higher; the rigidity and crashworthiness in future collisions will be lower. When it comes time to sell, the price will be much lower than the normal market value, with a high depreciation rate. Minor scratches or dents do not qualify a car as an accident vehicle. A true accident vehicle is one where the main structural components have been damaged. Structural components include the four longitudinal beams, cross beams, the six A, B, and C pillars on both sides, the four shock absorber mounts, the firewall, the rear bulkhead, the floor pan, the spare tire well, and the rocker panels. Even after repairs, the car will not be as good as new. The vehicle's frame will have sustained some damage, leading to potential safety hazards. The overall structural strength of the body will be weakened, its lifespan shortened, and there may be unpredictable risks.