If you have purchased a used vehicle in the past, you may have first taken it to an automotive mechanic to have it checked out. That’s a great idea that can save you from "buyer’s remorse," but there’s actually one other step that you may want to consider.

Many autobody or collision repair facilities also offer a "pre-purchase" check of used vehicles. This service, for which there may be a fee, can help determine if there is unrepaired, or poorly repaired, previous damage that could impact the vehicle value, safety, or performance. Well-trained collision repair facilities will be able to determine if a vehicle that may seem shiny and new to the consumer is really hiding substandard or unsafe repairs.

In some cases, a used vehicle that looks like a great bargain is actually a "rebuilt" vehicle that had been declared a total loss after a previous collision. For instance, the vehicle may have been damaged by water in a flooded area. A vehicle that has been severely damaged or totaled can be repaired properly, but improper repairs may not fully meet safety standards. Having the vehicle in question inspected by a properly trained collision repair business can help you avoid “surprises” after the sale. Surprises can include paint that begins to peel, electrical problems, wheels that cannot be aligned, a trunk or window seal that leaks - or worse yet, damaged safety features such as structural damage or an airbag system that hasn’t been restored to work properly.

While the collision repair facility can thoroughly inspect a vehicle, there are a number of things consumers can do when researching a used vehicle:

• Check for a musty smell - an indication of water leak problems or flood damage - inside the vehicle and in the trunk.


• Make sure that your test drive includes a stretch of flat, straight highway. If the vehicle "pulls" or if the steering feels "sloppy," there could be suspension damage that has not been properly repaired. Uneven tire wear may also indicate suspension problems.


• Look at the vehicle paint from different angles, and in a variety of lighting situations, when the vehicle is clean and dry. Compare the color match between panels. Run your hand along the door jambs and the hood and trunk jambs. If they feel rough or look dull rather than shiny, the vehicle may have been refinished poorly or without these areas properly masked. An improper paint job is not dangerous, but it may result in paint peeling problems later on or be covering poor quality repair work.


• Ask about the vehicle history. Whenever possible, check with previous owners to find out if it was ever involved in a major collision or totaled for any reason. Vehicle histories are also available to the potential buyer from several information providers. If the vehicle has suffered significant damage, have a trained collision repair facility inspect the quality of the repairs.


• Look for fluid leaks on the underside of the vehicle, on the engine or transmission, or on the ground beneath the vehicle. Look thoroughly for signs of corrosion (or rust) on all areas of the vehicle.

Just as you spend time choosing the right vehicle to purchase, it’s a good idea to spend time choosing the right collision repair business - whether you need a repair facility to check out a used vehicle you’re considering for purchase, or you need collision repair work done. Insurers and collision repair business owners alike say the key to selecting the right collision repair business is to look for evidence of properly trained technicians, such as the Gold Class Professionals® designation.