CarMax: Car Shoppers Need to Look for Signs of Vehicle Accident Damage

August 23, 2005

Most people do not know the biggest warning sign that a vehicle may have been in a major accident, according to a recent poll conducted by CarMax Inc., a national retailer of used cars.

More than 70 percent of respondents said that repainting the car is the
strongest indicator. According to CarMax’s car-buying experts, however, clamp marks on a vehicle’s frame are the biggest sign that the car may have been involved in a serious collision.

“A car might be repainted to address cosmetic issues rather than a serious accident,” said David Claeys, purchasing manager for CarMax in Richmond. “Paint work isn’t as big of an indicator as clamp marks on the frame of the vehicle. People should look beyond the paint job when considering buying a used vehicle and consider several other factors in order to spot hidden signs of prior vehicle damage.”

The following are the results of the poll of 47,500 carmax.com visitors
who were asked to list the strongest indicator that a car has been in a major accident.

Indicator Percent Number of Respondents

* Repainting 72% 34,200
* Clamp marks 16% 7,600
* Bumps and dents 10% 4,750
* Scratches 2% 950

“Car shoppers need to be on the look out for signs that a car may have been in a bad accident, as the safety and resale value of the car may have been compromised,” said Claeys. “Cars that have had severe structural damage can be completely repaired, retitled, and sold to an unsuspecting buyer. Minor fender benders that do not compromise the integrity of the vehicle are not as much of a concern.”

CarMax’s car buying team recommends the following tips to help
determine whether a vehicle may have been in a serious accident.

* Look for clamp marks on the frame rail under the car in the front or the back. Clamp marks look like holes or gashes on the frame of the
vehicle. Clamp marks usually indicate that the car has been on a frame machine, which suggests the vehicle may have been in a serious accident.

* Check the bolts used to fasten fenders, doors and the trunk lid to see whether the paint is broken or bolts are turned, which could indicate the bolts were removed for body repairs to the vehicle.

* Peel back the fabric that lines the trunk and look for welding marks or body filler, which may indicate that repairs were made on the body of the vehicle.

* Look for signs of repainting on the car, such as inconsistency in the
paintwork or paint on the molding or gaskets. Run your finger along the inside door edge and see if the finish is smooth or rough. A rough
finish can be caused by overspray during repainting. If signs of repainting are found, ask additional questions to determine if the paintwork was for minor scratches and dents or to cover up a more
serious accident.

* Listen for any engine noise when you test drive a vehicle. A major
accident can cause damage to any part of the engine. Ask questions
about any noise that sounds unusual.

* Check to see if all the doors, the hood, and trunk lid close properly.
If they don’t, this could indicate the use of replacement parts due to a
major accident.

* Check to see if the odometer clicks off miles when the vehicle is driven.

* Check the VIN number on the dashboard and see if it matches the VIN number on the sticker inside the door of the vehicle. If there is not a match, the door may have been replaced.

* Review reports from AutoChek or CarFax with the vehicle identification number to determine if there are any reports that the vehicle was stolen, declared a lemon, or was previously involved in a serious collision.

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