Protect Yourself from Buying a 'Lemon'
If you have purchased a used vehicle in the past, you may
have first taken it to an automotive mechanic to have it checked
out. That’s a great idea that can save you from "buyer’s
remorse," but there’s actually one other step that
you may want to consider.
Many autobody or collision repair facilities also offer a
"pre-purchase" check of used vehicles. This service,
for which there may be a fee, can help determine if there
is unrepaired or poorly repaired previous damage that could
impact the vehicle value, safety, or performance.
A qualified, well-trained collision repair facility can restore
both the look and performance of even a badly damaged vehicle.
In addition, well-trained collision repair facilities will
be able to determine if a vehicle that may seem shiny and
new to the consumer is really hiding substandard or unsafe
repairs.
In some cases, a used vehicle that looks like a great bargain
is actually a "rebuilt" vehicle that had been declared
a total loss after a previous collision. For instance, the
vehicle may have been damaged by water in a flooded area.
A vehicle that has been severely damaged or totaled can be
repaired properly, but improper repairs may not fully meet
safety standards. Having the vehicle in question inspected
by a properly trained collision repair business can help you
avoid “surprises” after the sale. Surprises can
include paint that begins to peel, electrical problems, wheels
that cannot be aligned, a trunk or window seal that leaks
– or worse yet, damaged safety features such as structural
damage or an airbag system that hasn’t been restored
to work properly.
While the collision repair facility can thoroughly inspect
a vehicle, there are a number of things consumers can do when
researching a used vehicle:
- Check for a musty smell – an indication of water
leak problems or flood damage - inside the vehicle and in
the trunk.
- Make sure that your test drive includes a stretch of flat,
straight highway. If the vehicle "pulls" or if the
steering feels "sloppy," there could be suspension
damage that has not been properly repaired. Uneven tire wear
may also indicate suspension problems.
- Look at the vehicle paint from different angles, and in
a variety of lighting situations, when the vehicle is clean
and dry. Compare the color match between panels. Run your
hand along the door jambs and the hood and trunk jambs. If
they feel rough or look dull rather than shiny, the vehicle
may have been refinished poorly or without these areas properly
masked. An improper paint job is not dangerous, but it may
result in paint peeling problems later on or be covering poor
quality repair work.
- Ask about the vehicle history. Whenever possible, check
with previous owners to find out if it was ever involved in
a major collision or totaled for any reason. Vehicle histories
are also available to the potential buyer from several information
providers. If the vehicle has suffered significant damage,
have a trained collision repair facility inspect the quality
of the repairs.
- Look for fluid leaks on the underside of the vehicle, on
the engine or transmission, or on the ground beneath the vehicle.
Look thoroughly for signs of corrosion (or rust) on all areas
of the vehicle.
Just as you spend time choosing the right vehicle to purchase,
it’s a good idea to spend time choosing the right collision
repair business – whether you need a repair facility
to check out a used vehicle you’re considering for purchase,
or you need collision repair work done. Insurers and collision
repair business owners alike say the key to selecting the
right collision repair business is to look for evidence of
properly trained technicians, such as the Gold Class Professionals
designation. The Gold Class sign helps you to feel confident
about your choice in collision repair.
Use the online Gold Class business directory at www.goldclass.com
to select a well-trained Gold Class collision repair business;
they have the knowledge and understanding to effectively communicate
and work with one another when repairing your vehicle. They
know when parts can be repaired, or when they need to be replaced.
This helps to eliminate surprises when the repair bill comes,
and it leads to less hassle for you! Gold Class Professionals
are dedicated to training their employees on the latest collision
repair technology to help achieve a safe and complete repair.
Gold Class Professionals
Dedicated. Trained. Professional.
The smart choice after a collision.
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