Unfortunately, the sale of heavily pitched cars as an accident is still a very common practice. In extreme cases, the cars are glued together from several other broken bones. Even if a professional take on the repair, sooner or later problems will arise. So how do you check yourself Used cars in el cajon if the offered copy is really an “accident”?
There are many methods. Earlier, we mentioned how to identify possible collisions or abrasions by varnish, but in this case, we are talking about serious accidents that may disqualify a vehicle from the further safe operation. First, we check the gaps between individual body parts. They should be even, and the distance between them should be the same for doors, wheel arches, bonnet, or bumpers. If the strips on the doors and fenders do not coincide, they are not parallel; it may mean that one of the elements has not been properly straightened and fitted by the thinner. This does not necessarily mean a massive accident, but the fact that the car had some adventure is indisputable.
The next step is to look for traces of painting. They usually appear on the thresholds, center pillars, wheel arches, or black plastic elements, i.e., strips, covers, etc. Usually, hurried varnishes do not dismantle neighboring elements and plastic accessories; they only protect them with painting tape. A small gap is enough for the varnish to get under it and leave a permanent mark.
We are looking for unskilled repairs
Incomplete varnish corrections are one thing, but even the best varnish will not cover the mechanic’s buggy, which welds crookedly and does not straighten the chassis components and what cannot be seen at first glance. Just lift the engine cover and look at the front belt – if you can see unnatural creases, bends or welds on it, the car was definitely Used cars in el cajon hit from the front. It is also worth looking at the reinforcements under the bumper. The same symptoms may indicate a serious blow.
You should also look from the trunk not only to assess its size and cleanliness but above all to look under the cladding and assess the condition of the floor. Non-factory welds and the previously mentioned creases, non-original paint, etc. are proof that the car was hit strongly in the back. Let’s also check the individual windows in the vehicle – they should all have the same manufacturer’s markings and year. Checking the car, check the condition of the floor and stringers. All traces of welds, joints, and repairs indicate a serious collision.
Red deposits, corrosion centers, and holes. Where to look for them
One would like to write – everywhere! First, we check the elements that can be seen at a glance, i.e., door sills, bottom edges of the doors, and fenders. You should be aware that even small corrosion points and rust deposits will sooner or later increase. Early reaction and repair will save the item, but larger corrosion centers and neglect of the previous owner will lead to expensive repairs. For older and low-value cars, repairs may simply not be cost-effective.