What are the standard specifications for defining a salvage vehicle?
2 Answers
Salvage vehicles are defined by the following standard specifications: 1. Strictly speaking, any vehicle that has been involved in an accident, regardless of its severity, is considered a salvage vehicle. 2. However, it typically refers to vehicles that have been involved in major accidents. Minor incidents like small scratches or dents (minor accidents) are not classified as salvage vehicles. A salvage vehicle is one that has sustained damage from non-natural wear and tear accidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. The determination of a salvage vehicle usually falls into two scenarios: 1. Replaceable parts: If the damaged parts of the vehicle can be replaced (e.g., a damaged front bumper, headlight, or front fender), it is considered a minor accident. 2. Non-replaceable parts: If the damaged parts of the vehicle cannot be replaced (e.g., the longitudinal beam, rocker panel, or A/B/C pillars) and can only be repaired through reshaping, cutting, or welding, then it is classified as a severe salvage vehicle.
I deal with used cars quite often, and the definition of an accident vehicle is actually clearly regulated. It mainly refers to cars that have suffered structural damage after a major accident. Structural damage means deformation or repairs to the skeleton parts such as the frame, chassis, A-pillar, B-pillar, and C-pillar. There is a national standard, GB/T 30323, which states that as long as the main structure is damaged, it counts as an accident vehicle—not just minor scratches or a simple bumper replacement. When I assess cars, I often see that repaired vehicles may look good on the outside, but their safety performance declines, and their driving stability is affected. To judge, you need to check the repair records and inspection reports to confirm whether the core parts have been tampered with. Major accident vehicles depreciate significantly, sometimes losing half their value, while minor accidents don’t count. Buyers should pay special attention to this when picking a used car and get a comprehensive inspection to avoid being scammed. These regulations are in place to ensure driving safety and market transparency.
