How to Tell if a Used Car Has Been in an Accident

This is a great time to shop at John Lee Mazda for pre-owned cars in Panama City, FL. But while pre-owned car quality has never been higher, it’s still important to know whether the vehicle has been in an accident. Here are some of the signs that a vehicle has been in a prior collision.

Survey the Paint Job

A pre-owned or Mazda Certified Pre-Owned car’s paint job can tell a lot about the vehicle’s accident history. First, look for differences between the paint color on different parts of the body – for example, if the paint on the doors doesn’t match the paint on the hood.

The thickness of the car’s coat of paint can also provide clues. If one area of the car has its original coat of paint, while two other areas have been painted over multiple times, this could indicate a hidden accident history.

Check for Physical Damage

A pre-owned car’s frame and body parts can offer reliable evidence of whether a vehicle was in an accident. Running your hands along the car from front to back is a simple way to check for dents, cracks, and other damage.

Our Panama City, FL, Mazda dealers also recommend examining the fenders and bumpers, since these parts are lightweight and thus show ready signs of a past collision. Check the wheels too – mismatched tires and noticeable scuff marks on the wheels could be signs of an accident.

Test Drive

A test drive at John Lee Mazda is another way you can check a pre-owned car’s accident history. While you’re behind the wheel, be sure to:

• Turn the steering wheel to the left and right while the car is idling and listen for unusual noises. Also, note any difficulty with turning the wheel.
• Turn the radio off during your drive and listen for any strange sounds coming from the suspension, engine, or exhaust system.
• Monitor the responsiveness of the gas and brake pedals. Acceleration and speed can bring hidden issues to the forefront.

Shop Our Pre-Owned Cars in Panama City, FL, Today

Do your homework on the cars you’re interested in and give yourself peace of mind that the vehicle is in great shape. Schedule a test drive at John Lee Mazda today. Once you’ve found your perfect model, you can apply for Mazda financing.