What Are the Dangers of Rebuilt Cars?

The cost of automobile ownership has been steadily rising ever since Henry Ford delivered his first Model T. In the hopes of saving some hard-earned cash, many people opt to purchase a used vehicle. While there are some perfectly fine used automobiles on lots all over this country, there are some dangerous ones. It is estimated that 70 percent of rebuilt vehicles are below industry standards and 40 percent of those are simply dangerous and should not be driven.

Buy Smart

Never purchase a used vehicle without running a vehicle history check on it. This will tell you the vehicles history and alert you to any past major repairs. Since some states do not issue Rebuilt titles on salvaged cars, this is your best option. It is possible for a dealer to purchase a damaged vehicle and take it to a state that does not issue titles denoting salvage or rebuilt status on the title and sell the vehicle with a clean title. This makes it extremely difficult for the purchaser to know that the vehicle has been involved in an accident or natural disaster. The buyer is likely to find out this information only when they attempt to sell the vehicle and the next proposed buyer runs a vehicle history on the vehicle. This can be detrimental on the resale price of the vehicle.

Potential Problems

Vehicles that have sat in water are prone to electrical problems and engine component problems. Vehicles that have been repaired due to collision damage may have structural damage. Many times these vehicle suffer from premature tire wear and poor handling characteristics. Often, the windows of a vehicle that has been in a flood will fog on a sunny day. These vehicles may incur dashboard problems and the gauges may fail to read correctly. Air bag malfunction is another consequence of water damage. This type of damage may only show itself when the vehicle is involved in a dangerous collision. It is not uncommon for rebuilders to fail to replace deployed air bags and simply dismantle the air-bag monitoring system. Beyond the structural damage involved with rebuilt vehicles, are the biological problems. Flooded vehicles are prone to toxic mold problems. Mold can form in the heating and air-conditioning systems, as well as under seats and inside interior panels and headliners.

Get a second opinion

Prior to making any used vehicle purchase, make arrangements to have an independent mechanic inspect it. Most reputable auto dealers will not object to an independent inspection of an automobile. This inspection should include checking the chassis and suspension, the safety equipment (air bags) and the engine. Lift the carpet and check for mud. The interior should be checked for rust on seat belt mechanisms. It is a good idea to remove an interior door panel and examine it for water damage. Most vehicles have a paper moisture barrier inside of the door that will show water damage.