What Does a Damaged Vehicle Mean?
4 Answers
Damaged vehicle refers to a car with defects in quality. Classification of damaged vehicles: The extent of damage in damaged vehicles is divided into two types: minor damage and major damage. Minor damage refers to vehicles that meet the standards of a commercial vehicle after repair or part replacement, with no damage to internal components and can be used normally. Major damage refers to vehicles where the body parts are damaged, and after replacing parts, they do not meet the standards of a commercial vehicle, indicating a more severe degree of damage. Methods to identify damaged vehicles: You can inspect the entire body for any signs of repair, as the repainted areas will differ from the original paint. Check if the tires show signs of wear. Inspect the oil dipstick for any indications of prior use.
When buying a car, I once encountered a damaged vehicle, which refers to a new car that was damaged during transportation from the manufacturer to the dealership, such as a scratch on the body or a small dent on the bumper. A friend of mine bought a car like this last year—the wheels and rims were slightly scuffed, and the dealer offered a small discount after repairing it. Such cars might seem like a good deal, but they come with hidden risks. Some concealed damages could affect the overall structure, potentially leading to safety issues over time. It’s advisable to carefully inspect the car’s condition before purchasing, check its repair history, or bring along a car-savvy friend to test-drive it for a few laps to assess driving stability. Don’t rush into a purchase just because of the lower price. If the damage is significant, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
In the daily operations of car dealerships, it's quite common to encounter damaged vehicles—new cars that haven't been sold yet but have minor issues during transportation or storage, such as scratched windows or door paint. When handling these, we repair the damages and then sell them to customers at a discounted price. If buyers are interested, they should first inquire about the specific damage points and repair details, and pay attention to any noise or unusual sounds during the test drive. The price is usually about 10% cheaper than a normal car, but remember to check the vehicle's insurance records to ensure there are no major accident risks. By the way, some dealers now specialize in promoting damaged vehicles to attract budget-conscious customers, but maintenance costs after purchase might be higher, so weigh the cost-performance ratio before making a choice.
As an enthusiast who has worked on cars myself, a damaged vehicle is simply a new car that has been damaged at the dealership, such as a scratched body or a cracked headlight cover. Usually, it's not a big issue, and I can fix it by replacing parts. However, when encountering such a car in the used car market, it's important to check the quality of the repairs and avoid buying one with structural damage. The price might be attractive, but caution is advised.
