What is the process for inspecting a used car?
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In the process of used car transactions, the condition of the vehicle is the most significant factor affecting its price. For example, if a car has a bent radiator frame, the buyer might claim it's an accident vehicle to drastically lower the price, while the seller might argue that the damage doesn't affect the frame, considering it only a minor collision, and thus refuse to lower the price. Those knowledgeable about cars can argue their case effectively, while those who aren't might end up at a disadvantage. Therefore, whether buying or selling, having a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's condition is essential. Before delving into vehicle condition assessment, it's important to grasp some basic knowledge. The three major components of a car's frame are fundamental in the inspection process. These components are: the structural parts, reinforcement parts, and body panels, listed in order of decreasing importance. The structural parts refer to the car's frame, which can be likened to the skeleton supporting the vehicle's body, serving as the primary safety guarantee. Since structural parts are integrated, any damage necessitates cutting and welding during repairs, significantly compromising safety. Hence, any accident damaging the structural parts is classified as a major accident. Given their critical role in driving safety, structural parts have the most significant impact on vehicle condition assessment and depreciation. Any issues in this area are considered serious safety hazards. First, place the vehicle on level ground and stand 3 to 5 meters directly in front of it to observe if the shoulders are level. Uneven shoulders indicate that the body frame has been repaired or that the suspension and shock absorbers haven't been properly fixed. Next, check if the gaps between the engine hood and the front fenders are consistent. Inspect the headlights for uniformity in age, even gaps, and symmetry. Then, open the engine hood to check for the presence of original sealing strips and any deformation on the inner surface of the hood. After inspecting the hood, stand at a 45-degree angle to the front of the car to examine the smoothness and evenness of the body's side. Proceed to check the uniformity and symmetry of the door gaps. Examine the window sealing strips for neatness and look for manufacturer logos on the windows, ensuring all logos belong to the same brand. Open the doors to inspect the door frames for deformation, verify if the welding points are original factory seals, and check the skirts for collision marks. Then, inspect the A-pillars, B-pillars, and C-pillars for any deformation, collision marks, or repainting. Finally, check the tire treads for signs of aging or wear.
