Buying a used car can be a decision influenced by many factors, including affordability, rate of depreciation, and available deals. According to Investopedia, many buyers avoid investing in new cars due to disadvantages like high costs and quick depreciation.
When purchased after careful consideration, a used car can be a better choice. However, buyers often find it challenging to steer past some pricey unknowns. This is because it’s difficult to know how the previous buyer treated the car or why it was traded in.
One thing is sure – those who purchase a car with an accident history may be buying someone else’s problems. In this article, we will discuss a caveat associated with used cars that every potential buyer must remember. Keep reading to know why accident history matters more than you think.
Dangers Surrounding Cars With Accident History
The worldwide used car market was valued at $1.69 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach a whopping $3.31 trillion by 2034. This means solid 10-year growth is on the horizon, so investing in a used or second-hand car is not a problem.
However, you need to know whether a vehicle was involved in previous accidents. This has to do with the fact that those accident(s) could have compromised the car’s structural integrity. Though the automobile looks polished on the outside, it may have hidden weaknesses that only show up with time.
Not only does poor structural integrity increase the risk of further accidents, but it will also lead to costly repairs at the least. This is inevitably the case when quality repair work is not performed after the accident.
Cars with a history of crashes are viewed as high-risk vehicles. Finally, the potential resale value of the vehicle could be significantly low.
The stigma attached to accidents discourages buyers from investing in a car with a crash record. This is thought-provoking and should nudge you to reconsider your decision to buy a car that has endured a slew of accidents.
Prior Accidents May Even Influence Liability
We understand that nobody wants to picture themselves being involved in a car accident. Given the scope of this article, it is important to discuss the legal implications of buying a car with an accident history. So, let’s use a relevant example to understand.
Suppose a driver in Colorado Springs ventures out to purchase a pre-owned car. Despite having biking trails, the city’s sparseness and varied hilly topography push drivers to choose driving over riding. Since the public transport system is still lacking, residents must rely on their personal vehicles.
Now, the rugged terrain is also the reason why drivers in Colorado Springs are at risk of accidents, especially during the frigid winter. At the least, the landscape and weather weaken a vehicle’s frame, engine performance, and structural integrity. Can you imagine a scenario where a moderately used car has also suffered multiple (minor) accidents?
Imagine another scenario where the said driver gets involved in an accident, not knowing that their vehicle already had a crash history. The other party starts a legal battle with the help of a Colorado Springs auto accident attorney. At this time, the car’s accident history comes to light.
The suing party may allege that the severity of injuries was only exacerbated due to the car’s compromised internal functionalities. According to the Springs Law Group, Coloradans involved in a car accident can be compensated for medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs, emotional suffering, and so on.
The total amount can easily reach hundreds and thousands of dollars. If the vehicle that crashed carried a tainted past, matters would only be more complicated. The liable party will not only have to deal with the accident’s aftermath, but also legal challenges and lengthy court proceedings.
Furthermore, even determining fault in some cases becomes a lot murkier due to accident history. Let’s look at the possible issues –
- Difficulties in determining whether the damages caused were due to the current accident or any of the previous ones
- Conflicting accounts of the accident’s severity because victims are unaware of the car’s accident history
- Confusion regarding whether the accident would have been bad enough had the car’s structural integrity not been compromised
How to Stay Safe As a Potential Buyer
From what we have discussed above, you must have an idea of the direction in which this article is heading. Yes, do not invest in a used car with a record of multiple accidents. Even if they were minor, it can be difficult to accurately ascertain the car’s current condition.
This is not to say that you cannot even consider a vehicle with a past. One minor crash that caused a dent or two should not be a problem. However, knowledge is power at the time of making a purchase.
So, only purchase a pre-owned car from reliable dealerships that are known for their integrity and transparency. Do not simply go by the looks of a vehicle, as they can be deceptive. Ask the dealer for a comprehensive vehicle report, which acts as the car’s biography.
In that report, you should find details like the car’s accident history, ownership changes, maintenance records, etc. Evaluate it thoroughly to understand what a particular car has been through.
Besides accidents, a car may have sustained issues from natural calamities like floods. Be careful, as purchasing such a car may bring long-term problems like electrical issues or mold formation.
Apart from the comprehensive history, you would want to have a thorough inspection done by an experienced mechanic. They will be able to identify issues like shoddy repair work in the form of uneven panel gaps or compromised internal systems.
In the final analysis, it is important to remember that a car may look pristine on the outside only to hide issues under its hood. Moreover, USA Today states that used cars these days are still older and have more miles than in the past.
In some cases, the wise option would be to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle (and not just in terms of the price difference). At the least, check a car’s past scrupulously to avoid any regrets in the future.
