If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you have probably realized that cars are a bit expensive right now. Fortunately, there are ways for you to save money on the cost of a car, and one of the best ways to do so is to consider going with a used vehicle. Unfortunately, not every used car is going to be a good one. If you want to purchase a solid used vehicle, you should consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. This is a vehicle that has been tested and found to meet the specifications met by the manufacturer. At the same time, you still need to do your due diligence to make sure you get a good vehicle. How can you tell if a used car was repaired badly?
1. Ask for a Copy of the Vehicle History Report
First, you should always ask for a copy of the vehicle history report. This is the best way to tell if a vehicle has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Now, just because a car has been involved in an accident doesn’t mean it is not any good anymore; however, if a car has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you need to dig deeper to make sure it has been repaired properly. Ask for a copy of the vehicle history report, and see if the car has required any major repairs. If someone is refusing to provide you with a copy of the vehicle history report, this is a bad sign.
2. Test the Paint Job
Next, you should also take a look at the paintwork to make sure the car has been painted appropriately. There are a few ways to test the quality of paintwork. First, take a walk around the exterior of the vehicle and make sure the car is a uniform color. If a car has been painted badly, the new layer of paint might be a slightly different color. If you look closely, you should be able to tell. Furthermore, take your finger and run it around the exterior of the vehicle. If you feel a change in the texture of the paint at any point along the way, this is a sign that the vehicle may not have been painted well. A vehicle painted at the factory should be uniform throughout.
3. Dig for Aftermarket Parts
If you are wondering if a car has been repaired using aftermarket parts, there are a few ways you can figure this out. First, you may want to figure out which insurance company repaired the vehicle. Take a look at their policy, and see if the insurance company is known for using aftermarket parts. Then, you should always test drive the vehicle to take a closer look at its performance. If you feel like the vehicle is taking a long time to accelerate, come to a stop, or change gears, this could be a sign that it has aftermarket parts. Finally, you should also get the car inspected by a professional. A professional can tell you if the car has been repaired using aftermarket parts.
4. Look for Putty Resin
Finally, you should also take a closer look at the vehicle to see if body filler or putty resin has been used. This is a cheap product that can be used to cover up dents, scratches, and other minor body defects. What you need to do is get close to the side of the vehicle. Make sure the sun is striking the vehicle. Then, look for a small circle on the vehicle made by the sunlight that doesn’t match the rest of the car. This is a sign that a dent might be present, and putty resin might have been used to fill it. Furthermore, the filler might have a slightly different color than the rest of the vehicle, which may stick out if you look closely. This is how you can tell if putty resin has been used.
Visit Badell’s Collision for Collision Repair in Aston and Malvern, PA
At Badell’s Collision, car owners don’t need to worry if their car will be fixed correctly. If you are looking for quality body repair, glass replacement, and painting services for your vehicle, contact us today to make an appointment at our service center in either Aston or Malvern.
