When inspecting a used car, there are a few parts a potential buyer should look for that give away a body repair. Roman Timashov, Deputy General Director for VIP at Avtodom Group of Companies, told Gazeta.Ru how to recognize a damaged car.
According to the specialist, direct signs of an accident past are fresh anti-corrosion, traces of putty (similar to dust), as well as “spray” – drops of paint on moldings, headlights or glass. The difference in tone, that is, the difference in shades between adjacent body parts, such as the door and the wing, should also alert you. True, the color of plastic bumpers may differ slightly from metal parts even from the factory – this is not considered a defect.
The expert also advises checking the factory seams: uneven application of sealant is a bad sign. For comparison, it is better to inspect the right and left sides of the body or find a similar car. Another obvious marker is traces of unscrewing on the bolts of the hood, fenders and doors.
Repairs are indirectly indicated by uneven gaps between parts, doors that close tightly, as well as a crack in the windshield without a visible chip from the stone. If you notice one or more of these signs, it is worth ordering a professional diagnosis.
Timashov emphasized: minor and high-quality repairs are not terrible. However, it is better to refuse the purchase if the car was officially declared unsuitable for restoration, has changed body geometry or deployed airbags, and was restored using artisanal methods with used spare parts.
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