Should I Trade in or Dispose of an Accident-Damaged Vehicle?
2 Answers
It depends on the actual situation. Vehicle Damage: After a traffic accident, the vehicle will suffer strong impact forces, resulting in varying degrees of damage. In severe cases, the entire body may be completely deformed. Although there are many auto repair shops, the technical level of repair personnel is often low, and the equipment used in the repair process is outdated, leading to suboptimal repair results. Consequently, repaired vehicles may lack safety and reliability. Vehicle Appearance and Reduced Lifespan: Although an accident-damaged vehicle can be restored to its original appearance after repairs, its fatigue lifespan cannot be fully recovered. Moreover, most accident repairs do not follow the manufacturer's specified repair methods, further reducing the vehicle's strength. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the vehicle can be fully restored. If not, it is best not to purchase such a vehicle. Vehicle Depreciation: The depreciation of an accident-damaged vehicle is more significant for high-value vehicles, where details like bumper replacements can greatly affect the overall resale value. Conversely, for lower-value vehicles, certain defects may not be as pronounced compared to critical damage such as the crash beam, chassis, or engine.
Having driven for over a decade, whether to trade in or handle an accident-damaged car depends on the severity of the accident. Minor scratches that have been repaired don't affect driving, and keeping it for personal use is more worry-free. For major accidents, such as frame deformation or airbag deployment, there will still be hidden dangers even after repairs. Trading in at a 4S store can directly offset the cost of a new car, saving the hassle of selling, but the price will be about 15% lower than the market rate. If handling it yourself, you can list it on a second-hand platform, but you must honestly disclose the accident details to avoid future disputes. If you're in a hurry to change cars, trading in is the most convenient; if you have time and want to recoup more value, take your time to find a private buyer. If the repair costs exceed half the car's value, it's better to just scrap it and get the subsidy.
