1. How to Identify Accident/Flood/Fire-Damaged Cars
1.1 Accident Car Inspection (Focus on Structural Damage)
| Inspection Area | Normal Condition | Accident Indicators | Tools/Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Welds | Smooth, uniform factory welds | Rough/uneven repairs | Paint meter + visual check |
| Door Hinges | No disassembly marks | Scratched/displaced bolts | 10x magnifier |
| Frame Rails | Straight, no creases | Bondo repairs/cracked paint | Lift inspection |
| Glass Dates | Older than production date | Newer than production (replaced) | Decode glass markings |
Red Flags:
Bent frame rails (repairs cost ¥20,000+; compromise safety).
Airbag replacement (check for explosive residue near lighter socket).
1.2 Flood-Damaged Car Detection (More Harmful Than Accidents)
| Checkpoint | Normal | Flood Damage Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Tracks | No rust | Rust/mud deposits |
| Wiring | Dry, no oxidation | Green corrosion/mold |
| Spare Tire Well | Clean | Water stains/mildew |
| Vents | No debris | Clogged dust/foul smell |
Deep Checks:
Remove door sills: Check for internal rust.
OBD scan: Inconsistent ECU dates signal flood repairs.
1.3 Fire-Damaged Car Identification (Highest Risk)
| Checkpoint | Normal | Fire Damage Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring | Flexible plastic | Melted/brittle |
| Firewall Insulation | Intact | Charred/burnt odor |
| Paint | Uniform | Patchy respray |
Legal Risk: Fire-damaged cars may fail inspections; insurers can deny claims.
2. History Checks: Maintenance & Insurance Records
2.1 Top History Report Tools
| Tool | Data Source | Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carfax | North America | $40/report | Essential for imports |
| Che300 | Chinese insurers/dealers | ¥29–99 | Repair details included |
| ChaBS | Nationwide dealer records | ¥39/report | VIN decoding |
| Dealer Query | Brand databases | Free/paid | Owner authorization needed |
What to Look For:
Odometer fraud (e.g., 50,000 km in 2021 → 30,000 km in 2022).
Major repairs (engine/transmission replacement).
2.2 Decoding Insurance Claims
Payout Amounts:
<¥10,000: Minor scratches.
¥30,000+: Likely structural damage.
Keywords:
"Cut/weld" = Severe accident.
"Full wiring harness replacement" = Flood suspicion.
3. Critical Component Evaluation
3.1 Engine Inspection
| Test | Healthy | Problem Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Start | Smooth RPM drop | Rough idle/blue-white smoke |
| Oil Cap | No emulsion | Milky residue (head gasket leak) |
| Exhaust | Clear/odorless | Blue (burning oil)/black (carbon buildup) |
Pro Methods:
Compression test (9–12 bar normal).
Boroscope for cylinder scoring (vertical scratches = rebuild needed).
3.2 Transmission Check
| Type | Red Flags | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AT | Rough shifting | ¥8,000–20,000 |
| DCT | Low-speed jerking | ¥3,000–6,000 (clutch) |
| CVT | Whining/slipping | ¥30,000–50,000 (full replacement) |
Road Test Tips:
Hard acceleration (30–80 km/h): Watch for delayed shifts.
Reverse → Drive: Listen for "clunking."
3.3 Undercarriage Assessment
| Part | Check For | Risks If Failed |
|---|---|---|
| Control Arms | Cracked bushings | Misalignment/uneven tire wear |
| Tie Rods | Torn boots | Loose steering |
| Driveshaft | Joint play | Vibration at speed |
Must-Do: Lift the car; shake wheels to test bearings. Replace cracked rubber parts immediately.
4. Step-by-Step Inspection Checklist
Static Inspection (30 min)
Paint thickness scan (factory: 80–160 μm).
Check seatbelt roots for moisture.
Inspect spare tire well drainage.
Road Test (20 min)
Coast at 60 km/h (listen for wheel bearing noise).
Brake test (no pulling/squeaking).
Professional Inspection (Recommended)
Cost: ¥300–800 (includes undercarriage report).
Includes:
Engine code scan.
Structural ultrasonic testing.
5. How to Avoid Scams
Beware "Free Transfer" traps: Verify condition before paperwork.
"Lady-Owned" cars: May hide aggressive driving.
EVs Special Notes:
Battery health <80% halves value.
OBD-check true charge cycles.
Final Advice:
Prioritize dealers offering 90-day buyback guarantees.
Demand contracts stating "no accidents/flood/fire damage."
With this guide, even beginners can avoid 90% of problem cars. Remember: A small inspection fee saves huge future losses!
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