Toyota of North Charlotte

Spot accident damage on a Charlotte used car

When it comes to buying a Charlotte used car, you want to make sure that you get a great deal and that the vehicle’s spotless. While you may not be buying a new car, you’re still making quite the investment! Here at Toyota of N Charlotte, our main goal is to provide you with a solid car—whether it’s a new Toyota or a used car in Charlotte. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about other dealerships and private sellers.
In order for you to be able to purchase an accident-free vehicle, we’re sharing some car buying tips. These will help you avoid purchasing a used car with extensive accident damage.   

Keep an eye out for accident damage when purchasing a used car

When you’re purchasing a used car in Charlotte, you have to keep an eye out for strange things. Since the car was previously owned, you have to worry about how well (or not so well) the previous owner took care of the vehicle. When you spot a Charlotte used car that you like, you definitely should be nit-picky. In addition to getting a vehicle history report, you should give the used vehicle a once over to see if there are any irregularities in the body. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
  • Take a look at the reflection lines: You can tell that a used car in Charlotte was involved in a car accident just by looking at the reflections. Crouch down near the end of the car and take a look across the car. The main line of the vehicle should be straight. If it isn't, it might mean that a panel was replaced or that there was a dent that needed to be hammered out after an accident.
  • Keep an eye out for cracks in the fenders and bumpers: The bumpers and fenders are usually the first things to get damaged when a vehicle gets in an accident. If you spot a crack in either of these parts, it's probable that the vehicle was involved in a car accident and wasn't fixed properly.
  • Watch out for repainting: Inspect the used vehicle you're interested in by seeing the car's paint job. If you notice any inconsistent and mismatching paint, this might indicate that the car received accident damage and was painted over to mask the scratch. This could also mean that a panel had to be replaced and repainted to match the vehicle.

Be smart when you shop for a Charlotte used car

Like we mentioned, you should ask for a vehicle history report when you’re interested in purchasing a used vehicle. This will tell you if the car was involved in a car accident and will also tell you who used to own it. Here at Toyota of N Charlotte, we offer FREE vehicle history reports when you come in to shop for a used vehicle. All you have to do is ask!
Be a smart car shopper by visiting our dealership. We’re located at 13429 Statesville Road and can be reached at 888-883-3797.