Where can I check if a used car has any problems?
3 Answers
For used cars, you can check at the traffic management department's violation processing center or the specialized website of the vehicle management office, the online vehicle management office. If you want to check the vehicle's accident history, the best way is to go to the insurance company where the car was insured. Below are methods to check if a used car has been in an accident: 1. Check the glass production date: You can look at the production date of the glass, as normally the glass would not be replaced. The glass date is usually in the format of numbers + dots, where the numbers represent the year and the dots represent the month. 2. Check the wear and tear of the frame: If the car has been in a major accident, the body frame will have varying degrees of dents and misalignment. Therefore, you can determine if the car has been in a major accident by examining the wear and tear of the frame. 3. Check the screws: You can inspect the screws on the hood, the screws on the radiator support, and the connecting screws on the doors. If any of these screws show abnormalities, it is almost certain that the vehicle has been in a major accident. 4. Check the maintenance records: You can visit a 4S shop to check the maintenance records. Any accident car that has been serviced at a 4S shop will have system records there.
I just bought a used car recently and was also looking around for inspection places. The first recommendation is a 4S shop—they have brand-specific tools that can deeply inspect the engine, transmission, and electronic systems, uncovering hidden issues like accident repairs or water damage traces. Next are third-party professional inspection agencies, such as Guazi or Youxin, which offer reasonable fees and provide standardized reports, making the process very reassuring. You can also go to reputable repair shops where experienced mechanics will check for chassis rust or brake wear more thoroughly than usual places. I’ve learned to check tire treads and oil color myself, but this can only serve as a supplement—professional equipment digs deeper. Remember, always test-drive the car before and after inspection to listen for abnormal noises—don’t just judge by appearance. Spending a few hundred on inspection fees can save you tens of thousands in post-purchase repairs—never skip this step. Keep the inspection report as proof during the transaction—it can also help you negotiate the price.
When it comes to detecting used car issues, I often help friends choose inspection locations. Visiting a 4S dealership is the most reliable option, as their original factory equipment can check historical data and potential fault codes. Third-party organizations like Inspection Assistance are also convenient, offering same-day results with online appointments. Small repair shops can be considered too, but it's better to choose larger chain brands to avoid irresponsible small workshops. I recommend focusing on inspecting the electrical system, suspension, and body structure, checking for any welding marks or fluid leaks. Here's a personal tip: sniff for musty odors inside the cabin and test the air conditioning cooling performance. Inspections aren't expensive, generally ranging from a few hundred to a thousand yuan – it's a worthwhile investment. Safety comes first, and you'll feel much more at ease after a thorough check.
