Autobody ABC's

Ask about the vehicle's accident history.

Check with a qualified auto body expert.

Before You Buy A Vehicle

Before you buy any vehicle, it is always wise to have an expert check it out. The engine isn't the only item to consider before purchasing a used car. The condition of the frame and body are just as important because proper frame and body repairs can often cost more than the vehicle is worth and improper repairs could be structurally unsafe. That's why it's important to find out if repairs were made and if they were made correctly.

Here are some tips on what you can do before purchasing a used vehicle...

Ask about the vehicle's accident history.

Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
If so, what was the damage and who fixed it?
Is the auto body shop that repaired the vehicle registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair or any collision repair industry associations?
Has the vehicle's certificate of title (pink slip) been labeled "salvage"? "Salvage" means that an expert has determined that the cost to properly repair the vehicle is more than its value. This usually happens after the vehicle has been in a serious accident.

Is the advertised price of the car less than other cars of the same type and year? Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Be a smart consumer.

Before you take the car to an auto body expert, examine the vehicle's "fit and finish." Here are some items you can check.

Is there paint overspray or primer in the doorjambs, trunk, or engine compartment? These are signs that the vehicle has had body repairs.
Check the paint - do all of the vehicle's panels match?
Check the gaps between body panels - are they equal? Unequal gaps may indicate improper panel alignment or a bent frame.
Do the doors shut properly?
Do the keys open all the door and trunk locks? If not, the doors and trunk lid may have come from different vehicles.

Check with a qualified auto body expert.

Not all salvage vehicles are bad - properly repaired salvaged vehicles can be a safe and sound investment. As a consumer, you need to know what you're paying for. By using these tips to help you select your vehicle, you can make an informed choice and put yourself in the driver's seat.

By taking the car to a qualified auto body expert before you decide to buy, you may be saving yourself a lot of trouble and money down the road.

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827
(800) 952-5210