Recognize accident cars: Seven tips help when buying a car
Created: 08/09/2022, 07:00
By: Simon Mones
Used cars are rare and expensive.
If you don't want to buy an accident car for too much money, you can use a few tips to prevent fraud.
It is not easy for anyone who wants to buy a used car at the moment, because the vehicles are scarce and expensive.
However, the situation improved somewhat in July, which led to slightly lower prices.
Nevertheless, customers should always take a close look when buying a used car, otherwise you will quickly have bought an accident car without knowing it.
This is dangerous because the damage was not always repaired professionally.
In addition, you pay significantly more than the car is actually worth.
In short, the customer was scammed by the seller of the used car.
If you pay attention to certain instructions, you reduce the risk of buying a car that has been involved in an accident when buying a used car.
© Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
Recognize accident cars: Seven tips help when buying a car
But it doesn't have to come to that, because there are indications of the hidden accident damage:
Unequal gap dimensions of a sheet metal part to the adjacent body parts
Poorly closing doors and hoods
Uneven signs of wear and color differences on the paint, for example paint noses, paint mist or masking edges
Significant creases on the bottom
Damaged or incompletely installed panels in the engine compartment
Uneven tire wear
During the test drive, the car pulls to the right or left
Recognizing accident cars: Checking with a professional reveals car history
If you want to be on the safe side, you can use the test drive for a check by a specialist.
Appropriate used car checks are offered by ADAC, TÜV and other providers, for example.
In this way, the hidden history of the car can be uncovered with a paint layer thickness gauge or diagnostic software and with a great deal of specialist knowledge.
Repaired areas can also be easily identified with a magnet, as it does not stick there.
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You should also ask the seller to show you the service booklet and any invoices.
The question of the holding period and the reason for the sale also makes sense.
In addition, a used car should never be checked in the dark, in the rain or when it is dirty, as defects can be overlooked more easily.