7 Clear Signs That A Second-hand Car Has Been In An Accident

1. 7 Clear Signs That A Second-hand Car Has Been In An Accident If you are tight on a budget, it makes total sense if you want to buy used cars, however, getting the right one is not easy. There are many potential pitfalls that can result in you driving away with a lemon if you are not careful. If you choose to buy used cars in Dubai, there are a number of things you should look out for. You can also take outside help to assist you in spotting whether the car you are considering buying has been in an accident or not. Here are a few tips to get you started, save some dosh and a lot of potential trouble. Second-hand Car Buying Tips: 7 Clear Signs to Look Out For 1.Dodgy Paint Job A good way to tell if a used car has been involved in an accident is to look for signs that indicate that the vehicle has been repainted. The best way to do that is to look at the reflection of the paint. The surface may look smooth and clear from outside, but if you look carefully, you may spot some unevenness. If you do, there is a good chance there was some kind of body repair done on the car. Take a walk around the car and try to see if the colour on all the panels matches, if it doesn't, then you know some patchwork has been done to the car. 2. Misaligned Panels When the door, boot, and bonnet are closed, they ought to be perfectly in line with other panels. If not, it could be a sign that the car has been involved in some kind of a smash. Similarly, the front and rear bumper should fit straight, but if you notice it is at a slight angle, chances are that it has a shunt.

2. 3. Check the Tyres Sit down beside the tyres and give them a good feel. If the tread seems uneven, it could be because of a misaligned wheel possibly caused by damage to the chassis. Whilst you are down, it'd be a good idea to have a look at the underbody and wheel wells. If you notice a fresh application of a rubberised undercoat, it could be because of the recent structural repairs and this is just a cover-up. 4. Damp Smells If you notice that the dash lights, power windows, or any other electrical equipment doesn't seem to be working right, it could be a sign of flood damage. Too many air fresheners in the cabin is also a sign of alarm; is the owner trying to cover up any damp smells caused by water damage? 5. Cracked Windshield Check the windshield from up close for cracks, if there is even a tiny one, it could be a sign that the car has been in a prang. Even if it hasn't, this should be replaced immediately by the seller. Don't even use that a bargaining tool because cracked windshields can break at any point. So, walk away from the deal if necessary. 6. Replaced Lights How to spot replaced lights while you are trying to buy second-hand car? Headlights turn hazy over time and get a yellowish tint. Check both the headlamps, if one looks clear and the other doesn't, chances are high that it has been replaced. Also, headlights should be aligned properly, if they are not, it is certain that they have been replaced. Open the bonnet and inspect from the inside and look for signs of damage. 7. Strange Sounds Never buy second-hand car without taking a test drive. When you are behind the wheel, listen for any strange noises such as a cyclic squealing from the steering wheel; this may indicate a wheel bearing or axle bearing is damaged. Hear any tapping, knocking, or a metal to metal slap from the engine of the car? This means the car has a damaged piston. If you hear any of these sounds, use these to your advantage to get the best deal. Bottom Line This is not it. Also, ask questions like: Are you able to shift the gears smoothly? Is the steering making any funny noises? Do the brakes grind? Are the electrical systems okay? If any of these are noticed, then use it to negotiate the price of the car. If the car requires way too much work, you may want to consider walking away from the deal.

3. Important Note: Buy second-hand car carefully and never make a decision without giving it a test run.