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Being in the selling business of used cars over 40 years I must admit today's technology is almost one step beyond me.
You got the internet your parents did not experience, you can pay to see if a vehicle has been in an accident through an
Insurance claim, it will cost you " it's all about $$$$ " you can enter sites like Carfax - Auto Check and others they are willing to help you but for a fee $$$$$. " what a nutsy world - everyone is in it for a buck " and all you want is a car with a clean record.

Anybody that's buying today " 2008 " from a dealer should not have to pay for a report, the dealer has it in hand, the question now is will they pass it on, or try to hide the facts. If your buying from a dealer you demand a report or you walk.

If your buying private, it becomes another story

If there is no report in hand, follow some of the steps I used before you got spoiled having the internet, keep in mind however, if vehicle did have an accident and owner did not claim it will not shows on all those wonderfull sites your wasting your money on for a report

Stand back about 15 feet from car looking down sides from front and rear and determine if the car is sitting straight - at same time look for ripples and waves

Check for paint overspray - door gaskets - trunk and engine

Look for color match between panels that may differ slightly from the original

Check gaps between panels - are they all evenly spaced

Doors... look for a close fit - ease of opening and closing

Open hood - check bolts on both sides that secure fenders and hood - have they ever been tampered with

Tires...uneven tire wear may indicate either suspension wear or alignment problems. ( if the dealer will not replace tires then make sure an inspection has been done and the problem fixed )

Trunk...3 area's to be checked...under the mat any signs of body filler or dust...if there is a musty smell then beware there could be possible water leaks...if your suspicious car may have been hit then access the side liner to check if left and right inner fender wells match.

Interior...this is a touchy one, sometime i have come across a car with 20K that shows wear and tear like a car with 130K, and cars with 130K showing wear and tear like only 20K, the main objective here is to check if interior condition matches odometer, if the car got only 20K and shows like it got 130K that should give you some indication how the previous owner looked after car.

Learn more about this author, Ray Paulsen.
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