How To Avoid Buying a Car with Structural Damage?

Every car has an internal structure, also known as the unibody. The car is built upon this structure. If you don't know what is unibody damage, the answer is simple. If a car encounters a high-speed collision, the internal structure can bend, crack and become damaged; this is called unibody damage.

A car with structural damage cannot handle any further collision, so it is unsafe to drive. However, some dealerships may withhold information or lie to their customers about unibody damage to sell the vehicle. To avoid such a situation, here are some ways you can avoid buying a car with structural damage.

1. Replaced parts

Most people don't replace bigger car parts like the hood and the trunk unless necessary. So, if you notice that any major part of the car has been replaced, it is a sign that it may have been in an accident.

Check to see if the trunk and hood open and close properly. If the trunk and hood have trouble closing and opening, it is a clear sign of a damaged car.

2. Misaligned parts

If you know what unibody damage is, then you will know that the different parts of the car's frame may become bend or come off during a collision. Putting those parts back into place is not an easy task, so there are always some misalignment issues.

Check the car's joints and see if the gaps are uniform and parallel. If the gaps are too big, too small, or uneven, it is a sign that the car may have structural damage.

3. Inconsistent paint

When a car collides with something, it will usually damage the paint. Most damaged cars are re-painted before being released on the market, but it is usually quite noticeable.

Check properly to see if the paint is the same shade and tone throughout the car. If you find any area of the car with inconsistent paint, it implies that the part may have been replaced or repaired.

4. Unusual engine sounds

Before you buy any old car, you should always test drive it to check if it's in good condition. To prevent buying a car with structural damage, you should always check if the engine sounds any sounds or not.

Damaged cars may emit loud sounds from the engine. It's best to avoid such cars.

The bottom line

It's always good practice to check any used car thoroughly in bright daylight and test drive it before deciding. If you notice any of these abovementioned signs in a used car, it's best to avoid buying it.

However, if you find out that the dealership lied to you about unibody damage after you have purchased the car, you must hire an auto fraud lawyer at Allen Stewart and file a lawsuit.

Andrew Richardson is the author of this Article. To know more about Broken Odometer please visit our website: allenstewart.com