What Are the Standards for Identifying Major Accidents in Used Cars?

[MacKingston]

Standards for identifying major accidents in used cars: Vehicles with welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation on the longitudinal beams; Vehicles with welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation on the A, B, or C pillars; Vehicles with severe welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation on other non-removable parts, or vehicles whose airbags have deployed due to impact. In the used car market, an accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear, leading to a decline in mechanical performance and economic value. Major accident vehicles generally refer to those with structural damage. Methods for identifying accident vehicles: Ask inspection centers: For mainstream models, maintenance records are stored in the manufacturer's database regardless of the city where the service was performed. Check insurance: It is understood that domestic insurance companies have achieved information sharing. Inspect appearance: After checking gloss and color differences, examine the seams between various body parts. Focus on whether the seams are even and whether the edges are smoothly finished. Original parts that have not undergone sheet metal repair will have more uniform seams, without significant variations in thickness.

[SanAdelyn]

I always help friends inspect used cars, and the criteria for identifying major accident vehicles are crucial. The key is to check for permanent damage to the body structure, such as deformation in the A-pillar, B-pillar, or chassis. If repairs have been made, the signs are usually obvious: uneven welding points or significant paint color discrepancies are red flags. The airbag deployment history must be checked—if they’ve been deployed, it indicates a severe accident. Always obtain the VIN report; avoid any car with a collision history in its records. It’s advisable to have a professional shop perform a four-pillar test to check if the body gaps align properly, as hidden issues may go unnoticed by amateurs. Remember, these cars have weakened structures, posing higher risks on the road and offering poor protection in accidents. Also, inspect for wheel rim deformation or loose suspension, but structural damage is the core defining factor. During preliminary checks, look for misaligned door panels and signs of rust or bending in the chassis—don’t overlook hazards just to save money. Safety first—only a thorough inspection brings peace of mind.

[MadelynDella]

I've purchased several used cars before, and the major accident identification mainly focuses on the body frame and airbags. The criteria involve checking for signs of deformation or repairs in key parts of the car body, such as the A-pillar, C-pillar, or chassis beam—like smoothed-out welding spots or uneven paint. If the airbags have deployed, it's definitely a major issue. A VIN history report is essential; if it shows a severe collision, steer clear. I've personally tried inspecting cars, and inconsistencies in body gaps or difficulty opening/closing the trunk lid can signal accident problems. I recommend bringing along an expert or visiting a 4S shop to measure chassis dimension deviations with tools, like using a laser rangefinder to check for symmetry. These cars depreciate quickly and have lower safety standards. Investing a few hundred bucks in a professional inspection is worth it to avoid hefty repair costs later. A common mistake is focusing only on the exterior while ignoring structural details—frame damage is the real deal-breaker.

[AmaraRose]

Last time I bought a used car, I got burned. The key criteria for major accidents are structural damage and repair history. The main things to check are whether the body frame components like A-pillars are deformed, or if there's chassis bending or messy welding spots - these indicate serious issues. You must check airbag deployment records; if they've deployed, it means severe collision. VIN reports are extremely helpful as they clearly show accident history. During preliminary inspection, pay attention to doors that don't close properly and significant differences in paint condition. Later, a friend who owns a repair shop tested it and found it was a problematic car. Experience taught me to always inspect first - don't try to save small money. The risks are that these cars have poor safety, low resale value, and make you uneasy on the road. The basic principle is to have professional institutions assess structural integrity to avoid buying a car with hidden dangers.