While you can save tons of money purchasing a used car, it’s still a scary proposition. Every year we hear stories about people purchasing used cars that have actually been in major collisions. To be honest, it’s easy for auto rebuilders to fix these vehicles up and put them back into the circulation. Unfortunately, we’re the ones that have to deal with the long term issues.

When an insurance company looks into accidents, one of the first things they assess is whether or not the vehicle is totaled. If they make this judgment, then it means that it would cost more to fix the car than the amount its worth. Once this is set in motion you get a check for the amount, and the vehicle goes to a salvage auction. Unfortunately it could end up returning the market after someone purchases it for cheap and then fixes it.

It happens all the time, which is why you need to take the proper precautions when purchasing a vehicle. While we could go over several different scenarios, just take a look at a few examples below.

1. Check the title of the vehicle. Not every salvaged vehicle will have a notation on the title; in some cases band-aid repairs are done on the sly without a report being issued. But the title is the first place to check. If you see phrases like “scrap,” “parts only,” “unsalvageable,” or “un-rebuildable” then you are dealing with a vehicle that’s been involved in a major accident.

In order to do this simple check, we recommend using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). You’ll be able to enter a simple VIN number and get all kinds of helpful information. Whether it’s the odometer reading, if it’s been reported stolen, or if it was considered a total loss you’re going to know. In order to do this you can visit the NMVTIS at nmvtis.gov.

Inspect the Vehicle- This is extremely important, and it shouldn’t be someone you know. Have a person that is certified in collision repair take on this task for you. They’ll be able to give you the telltale signs that could involve a faulty vehicle.

Just Ask- One of the best things you can do is ask the seller if it’s been in an accident. Obviously the seller could lie to you, but their reactions will tell you everything. If by chance they are truthful and tell you upfront, then it’s important to find out what kind of damage the vehicle has had when it was in an accident.

Get a History Report- One of the best things you can do is getting a history report. The two best places are CarFax and AutoCheck. They will offer up all the dirt on any vehicle out there. Unfortunately, not all problems are reported to the state licensing agencies.

All we ask is that you be thorough when researching this vehicle. All the tips we provided above should give you enough details as to whether or not it’s going to be worth the money. If you’re really smart, document all your research and conversations in case something goes wrong. This way you can build a case in the event of a problem.

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