How to Check to See if a Car has Been Wrecked

Used cars can provide substantial savings over new vehicles. However, it is important to make sure that a used car is in sound mechanical condition, and specifically, has not been wrecked.

Instructions

1

Contact the previous owner. Since they no longer own the car, they will most likely be forthcoming about any fender benders or serious accidents the car was in.

2

Obtain a CarFax report. This report will give you information concerning any reported accidents that your prospective automobile purchase has been involved in. The keyword here is "reported." While this can be a helpful tool, it is also easily thwarted.

3

Contact your local state Department of Motor Vehicles. Using the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) or other information, they may be able to provide you with information concerning whether the car has ever been salvage titled.

4

Be wary of cars that look "out of place." If your local budget/deep discount auto seller has a shiny, nearly new Mercedes for sale, that might give you room for pause. Often these cars are purchased wrecked, then repaired and sold at a discount.

5

Have the car inspected by a mechanic. A mechanic or body shop will know the tell tale signs of repaired body, frame and paint damage. No matter how good the repair job, it is very difficult to completely replicate the original factory assembly. A trained repairman will be able to spot any deviation from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) condition quickly and easily.