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2 signs that a car has previously been in a crash 

On Behalf of | Sep 12, 2022 | Dealer Fraud

You’ve been running your current vehicle for several years and it’s time for a change. You don’t need something that’s brand new. You’d rather purchase a second-hand vehicle. 

Just because you’re buying second-hand doesn’t mean you should be sold something that is unsafe. Used car dealers are not entitled to act fraudulently. 

If a car has previously been in an accident and you are thinking of purchasing it, the dealer should disclose this to you before you commit, rather than attempting to hide it. How can you tell if a vehicle has previously been involved in an accident? 

1. Doors that don’t close properly 

You’ve taken a look at the interior of the vehicle and it seems ok. However, it took you three attempts to shut the door. The catch didn’t seem to work properly. After having another look around the car, you notice that one of the car doors has a significant gap when closed and it also looks like it’s been fitted using different hinges. 

This could be a sign that the vehicle has been repaired after a previous crash. 

2. Paint colors that don’t match 

It can be very difficult to match the paint on a vehicle after a crash, particularly for used cars. After a period of time, paint starts to fade. The right color may be used to respray a damaged part of the vehicle, but it is not going to have the same faded look.

If the paint on the body of a car doesn’t match, it could be a signal that something is amiss. 

When buying a used car, your safety comes first. If a dealer has fraudulently sold a vehicle to you, then you should be able to hold them to account. Seeking legal guidance from someone experienced in this area will help you to obtain justice.   

 

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