How to Identify Whether a Car is an Accident Vehicle?

[VonSawyer]

Methods to identify whether a car is an accident vehicle are: 1. Check if the edge sealant of the engine hood is smooth and whether it feels soft to the touch. If the sealant is uneven or feels soft, the engine hood has been repaired; 2. Inspect the main frame and subframe of the vehicle for any welding marks; 3. Check if the small spiral boxes on the shock absorbers are original factory sealant; 4. Examine the material of the rivets on the radiator frame, as the original factory material is made of iron. The definition of an accident vehicle is: 1. A vehicle that has suffered severe impact, damaging the engine compartment and the passenger compartment; 2. A vehicle with collision damage to the radiator support; 3. A vehicle where the rear quarter panel collision damage exceeds half of its area.

[SanLaura]

Last time I helped a friend buy a car, I paid special attention to identifying accident vehicles. First, carefully inspect the exterior of the car body—is the paint color consistent? Minor color differences or bubbling traces might indicate repainting, suggesting a collision. Then, observe whether the gaps around the doors and hood are uniform; if the car has been in an accident, these gaps might be wider or distorted. Try opening and closing the doors to listen for any sounds—if they don’t move smoothly or make unusual noises, the hinges might be damaged. After starting the car, check whether the airbag light on the dashboard stays on; it should normally turn off—if not, the airbag system might not have been properly repaired after an accident. I recommend using a mobile app to check the vehicle’s VIN code for its history report; if you see accident records, avoid the car. Buying an accident vehicle not only means high repair costs but also an unstable driving experience, so I insist on these checks to avoid regrets. Don’t forget to take a test drive—pay attention to whether the suspension feels abnormally shaky during braking or steering, as a damaged frame can easily cause problems.

[EvelynLee]

As someone frequently dealing with used cars, I'll share some insider insights: First, check the vehicle documents—Carfax reports or local insurance records clearly show accident history. Then review maintenance receipts, as major accidents usually have detailed repair records. Inspect the chassis and frame edges—fresh welds or rust spots reveal repair traces. The door opening/closing test is the gold standard—doors may stick or make unusual noises after a collision. An overly large trunk lid gap also hints at rear-end collisions. During a test drive, steering wheel misalignment or uneven tire wear indicates suspension issues. Don't just chase cheap prices—accident cars have many safety hazards, and saving small money could cost lives. Bring a mechanically savvy acquaintance, ask sellers about accident history repeatedly, and be suspicious if their eyes dart around.

[DiPenelope]

Bro, buying a used car requires guarding against accident traps. Simple method: Walk around the car before getting in. Is the paint smooth? Be cautious if there's touch-up paint or scratches. Are the door gaps aligned? Misalignment might indicate a collision. Start the engine and listen—is the sound steady? Post-accident engines tend to be noisier. Pull the seatbelt out quickly and retract it slowly; abnormalities could mean post-crash repairs. Use a VIN check app—just scan to know the car's history. Take it for a test drive to feel the brakes and cornering; wobbling suggests frame damage. Remember, accident cars not only depreciate faster but are also prone to breakdowns on long trips. Safety first—don't take it lightly.