[Car Tips] How to Determine Whether a Vehicle Has Been Repaired
How to determine whether a vehicle has undergone accident repairs? (Hong Kong)
*—Editor’s personal experience× The most detailed and down-to-earth teaching—
Hello everyone, I'm your car editor! Hong Kong's used car market is vibrant, and many people buy used cars and affordable new ones. However, "accident cars" (those that have been crashed or repaired) often pose the greatest risk. They can be unexpectedly plagued by broken screws, oil leaks, and welded frames, leaving you vulnerable to potential damage and no claim!
How can I tell if a car has been repaired after an accident? Which parts are most likely to be damaged? What are the local inspection methods in Hong Kong?
Using the most detailed information and years of vehicle inspection experience**, we'll help you break down the methods, key points, real-life examples, and Hong Kong-style traps to determine whether a vehicle has been repaired due to an accident . This way, you won't be fooled by car dealers again!
1. What is an accident recovery vehicle? Why should I care?
- Accident Car / Repaired Car : refers to a vehicle that has been involved in a serious collision, rollover, fire, or flooding and is then sold after major repairs.
- Common causes in Hong Kong : car crashes, being hit by a car, reversing into a pillar, breaking a handlebar while parking, and even "breaking bones in a major collision".
- The biggest risks : damage to the frame structure (significantly reduced safety), welding and assembly, airbag explosion without replacement, circuit damage, etc., poor value retention.
2. Common "hiding" methods used in Hong Kong accident repair vehicles
- "Replace the shell" : directly replace the front pump handle, hood, door, and trunk lid - the surface is new and clean, but there are hidden welding marks inside.
- "Re-spray" : Spray paint to cover scratches and dents, and you won't be able to see the color difference unless you pay attention.
- "Cutting and welding" : If the bone is broken by a collision, it will be directly welded over, and the surface will be polished and then oiled.
- "Reuse of spare parts" : Using aftermarket/second-hand spare parts to replace original parts. The cost is low but the quality cannot be guaranteed.
- "Computer clears fault codes" : Clears fault codes such as airbag lights and ABS lights to cover up safety issues.
3. Detailed method to determine whether the vehicle has been repaired due to an accident (Editor's experience)
3.1 Visual inspection: 8 key points
①Gap
- Check that the gaps around the doors, hood, and trunk lid are even .
- If the size is different or too wide or too narrow , there is a chance that it has been disassembled or bumped and reinstalled crookedly.
② Check whether there are any signs of disassembly or assembly on the screws and nuts
- Open the hood and trunk, and check whether there are scratches on the screws or paint peeling .
- Original screws should not be chipped. If there are marks/discoloration, there is a record of disassembly (such as replacing wings/doors/covers).
③Paint color difference, orange peel, sandpaper marks
- Look at the car body from different angles under the light source to check for color difference, uneven gloss, rough orange peel texture, and sandpaper marks .
- If it feels rough to the touch and has some rough spots, it means it has been re-sprayed .
④Welding/glue traces
- Are there any obvious welding points, welding lines, or glue strips on the "structural parts" such as the door frames, A/B pillars, and the bottom of the rear of the vehicle ?
- The original factory soldering points are regular and neat, while manual soldering is mostly rough and uneven .
⑤Glass marking year
- Each glass has the year of production and the brand logo printed on the corner . If the year is inconsistent, the glass may have been replaced (e.g., due to a head/tail impact).
⑥ Airbag cover (SRS)
- Check the steering wheel, passenger seat and side airbag covers for looseness, color difference and cracks .
- Some car dealers will use fake covers to cover up the exploded airbags, and the airbags are not replaced .
⑦Light assembly/water tank frame/keel
- Check the headlights, taillights, air-conditioning tank, and keel frame for color differences, non-original part numbers, residual glue, and screw marks .
⑧Carpet , car floor
- Lift up the driver's floor mat and trunk carpet, and check whether the floorboards are bulging, have weld marks, or are the screws old and new or rusty .
3.2 Actual measurement inspection: 4 professional methods
①Test with a magnet (magnet method)
- Gently press the magnet against the car body . If there is any area that does not attract or has noticeably weak suction, it means there is thick mud/filler, which may have hit the car body.
②Computer diagnosis (OBD detection)
- Use OBD tools to check whether the vehicle safety system has any records of airbag explosion or ABS failure .
- Although some car dealers can clear the fault code, some models have permanent records .
③Light refraction inspection
- Shine strong light obliquely on the surface of the car body to see if there are any pits, wavy lines, or abnormal reflections . Generally, the re-spraying areas are more obvious.
④Professional vehicle inspection (third-party vehicle inspection service)
- Many vehicle inspection centers in Hong Kong (AA, HKMI, Autotoll, etc.) provide complete vehicle inspection reports , including inspections of the chassis, frame, computer, airbags, paint thickness, etc.
- High value/imported cars/a must for newbies!
3.3 Document verification is essential before buying a used car (Hong Kong style)
① Check repair/maintenance records
- Request the car owner/dealer to provide maintenance records, maintenance orders, and vehicle inspection papers .
- It is more reassuring if there is regular maintenance and no major repair records .
② Check the vehicle owner’s license record (Transport Department)
- Pay to check the number of previous owners, usage (private/commercial), and ownership transfer records over the years .
- Be especially careful with items that change hands frequently or have many different uses .
③Hong Kong Police/Insurance Company Accident Records
- Some insurance companies can check vehicle claims/major accident records (for a fee), or check with the dealer whether they have an "insurance compensation vehicle".
- Sometimes AA Vehicle Inspection can also assist with enquiries .
④ Check if there are any flooded or burned vehicles
- If in doubt, ask the dealer to produce a declaration of no accidents, or have the AA vehicle inspection center conduct a detailed inspection of the chassis and circuits to see if there are any abnormal rust/scorch marks .
4. Real Case Study: Common Accident Repair Traps in Hong Kong
‣ "Dent repair kit for a few thousand dollars"
- The editor once bought a used car. The dealer said it was just a "parking scratch". In fact, the fenders and doors were all repainted and there were traces of screws being removed. Later, the AA inspection found that the body of the car was extremely muddy, proving that the collision was not light. In the end, he gave up in time.
‣ "Fake airbag cover/airbag not replaced"
- A friend bought a European car. The steering wheel SRS cover was obviously new, but an AA inspection found that the airbag had exploded and had not been replaced, so it was useless!
‣ "Clean appearance, but a hidden danger"
- A netizen bought an imported car that looked brand new. However, the trunk later had trouble opening and the welding on the bottom of the tailgate was rough. It turned out that it was repaired after a rear collision, and its safety was greatly compromised.
5. Hong Kong Used Car Buyers Must-Read "Ambush Prevention" Tips
- Don’t be greedy for cheap prices/good looks : If the price is too low, there must be something wrong, and good looks do not mean the car is really new.
- Insist on third-party vehicle inspection : AA, HKMI and other professional vehicle inspections, detailed inspection + report to protect yourself.
- Don’t trust “verbal promises” : all “no collision” and “no repair” claims must be proven in writing.
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) : the vehicle body, license plate and maintenance certificate numbers must be consistent.
- Check the insurance records : Be extra cautious if the car has an accident record or a major repair record.
- Keep original parts : If modification/aftermarket replacement is found, request original parts.
- Test drive the car yourself : feel whether there is any tilt, abnormal noise or vibration while driving.
- Don't rush into placing an order : choose rationally and don't let the dealer rush you.
6. Editor's summary: "Buy with joy, drive with confidence, but beware of scams!"
Although the Hong Kong car market is mature, there are many hidden traps in the accident repair car market , and novices are more likely to fall into them.
- Insist on a professional vehicle inspection, ask more questions and check more, don't be afraid of the hassle.
- Check the details carefully and don't just look at the appearance.
- A three-pronged approach of documentation, records, and personal experience ensures peace of mind when purchasing.
If you've experienced being scammed while buying a car, or have any practical tips for inspecting a car, please leave a comment and share them with me! 🚗🔍
