Is Rear Quarter Panel Cutting Considered a Major Accident?

[AylaMarie]

Aluminum body repairs involving the quarter panel, such as maintenance, replacement, or re-riveting, are standard repair procedures. These operations cannot be used to infer that the vehicle has been involved in a major accident, as a simple inspection can easily differentiate them. Below is relevant information about accident vehicles: 1. Introduction: An accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear incidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, "accident vehicles" are those with structural damage. Additionally, flood-damaged and fire-damaged vehicles also fall under the category of "special accident vehicles." 2. Identification Methods: Methods to identify accident vehicles include: exterior inspection, light inspection, insurance record checks, and interior inspection.

[SanBenjamin]

I think rear quarter panel cutting indeed counts as a major accident. This is because once the vehicle's body structure is cut and welded, its overall rigidity gets compromised. I've repaired many cars, and common issues include rusting, weak welding leading to cracks, especially during side collisions where it might fail to hold. Some people opt for cutting to save money, but the proper approach should be replacing the entire part. If you accidentally buy such a used car, it might fail safety tests, making you uneasy while driving. I recommend paying extra attention to any abnormal repair marks on the car's paint during routine maintenance to avoid pitfalls. If repairs are necessary, choose reputable shops and don't skimp on small costs—safety comes first!

[MacMadison]

From the perspective of buying and selling used cars, rear quarter panel cutting is absolutely classified as a major accident. It will significantly reduce the car's value, and buyers will immediately pass upon hearing about it. Having traded many times, I can say that cars with cut quarter panels are prone to hidden issues, such as body deformation affecting steering or increasing noise. Insurance records often mark them as major repair accidents, and you must honestly declare this when selling later, otherwise, disputes will arise. Ordinary car owners might not understand the details, but a simple check can reveal it: feeling for weld spots or roughness at the cut area is a telltale sign. In short, don't be tempted by cheap prices when choosing a car; prioritizing vehicles in original factory condition is more reliable.

[VonJoel]

Last time I helped a friend choose a car, I encountered the pitfall of rear quarter panel cutting. The car looked shiny on the surface, but the repair records showed the quarter panel had been cut, altering the body balance and making it unstable to drive. The definition of a major accident isn't just about the appearance but also whether the structure is damaged. I suggest inspecting under the car yourself when buying—cutting marks are quite obvious, like weld seams or color differences. If it's just a minor damage during repairs, try touching up the paint first instead of rushing to cut. Daily driving safety is paramount, and such repair hazards are too significant.