Whether you’re in the market for a new car and constrained by a shoestring budget or have loads of experience in the salvage vehicle industry, opting to buy a crashed car for sale can be a daunting prospect. There’s no denying that the decision to purchase a damaged car is going to save you money in the long run, but balancing the risks and knowing how to make a thorough assessment of the vehicle in question can become a serious hurdle to overcome.
Before you make any rash financial decision based on the affordability of crashed vehicles for sale or decide to opt out of what nay-sayers might term a ‘risky decision’, conduct the following 5 due diligence checks before you sign on the dotted line:
#1 Inspect the vehicle
Undertaking a rigorous assessment of any second-hand car is a wise prerequisite before cutting the red ribbon, but it is even more necessary when it comes to purchasing a salvage vehicle.
Accident-damaged cars unfortunately bear the brunt of serious discrimination from insurers, car buyers and handymen due to the unknown extent of damage incurred during the crash.
This means that when you make the decision to view crashed cars for sale, you need to do so with your eyes wide open! 😳
Often, scrap yards and private sellers are unaware of, or dishonest, concerning the full extent of the damage to the external and internal workings of the car, making it that much more necessary for laymen to take a qualified and trusted mechanic along with them to inspect and test the vehicle.
Mechanics can also make more accurate assessments of the cost of new parts, manual labour involved in the repair and exterior panel beating.
#2 Estimate repair costs
Perhaps the budget-cutting temptation of a crashed car on sale made you blind to the reality of the repair bills that await? Again, this is the time to make an accurate calculation of the costs in order to make the most informed decision with your finances.
The opinion of one (or two) qualified mechanics can help you approximate a workable budget for your repairs. But bringing in all of the people who need to be involved in the repair process (from the panel beater to the mechanic) may be your best bet.
Remember, no two accident-damaged cars are the same. One car may have a small dent but be viable for immediate driving and subsequent repairs once cash is available, while another may be non-running and require a complete overhaul before it is safe to hit the road. There is also a whole other category of vehicles that were stolen and recovered but have not undergone any serious damage. (Read our previous blog to understand these categories better).
#3 Understand the legalities
This is where buying a crashed car becomes a bit more complicated than opting to buy a brand spanking new vehicle off the showroom floor. Each salvage vehicle has a backstory.
There are two broad categories of salvage vehicles you want to look out for:
- Code 2: A vehicle which has been registered in the name of a natural or juristic person as a second-hand vehicle. The vehicle is not de-registered and is able to be sold to a third party as a used vehicle.
- Code 3: A vehicle which has been de-registered. The vehicle may be sold to a third party, but if re-registered, will be reflected as a rebuilt vehicle.
Hallmark Auto is a proud supplier of over 1 000 vehicles in both of these categories. As a reputable auto salvage specialist, we adhere to the second hand goods act, meaning you will never end up with a stolen and recovered vehicle that’s still registered in the name of the original owner or any number of other uncomfortable and illegal situations.
#4 Get a fair price
There’s no denying that you’re in search of a crashed car for sale because you want to get a good deal (and for good reason).
But no-one wants to be taken for a ride by shady scammers or wheelers and dealers in the used and salvage vehicle industry.
This is where Hallmark Auto steps in to save the day - creating a safe, affordable and trustworthy option for buying an accident-damaged car.
With 17 years industry experience and a number of positive reviews, our industry specialists offer customers excellent service, transparency and affordable prices, giving you assurance that you can drive home with no surprises.
#5 Buy from a reputable salvage specialist
While there is a fair chunk of money to be saved in purchasing a crashed car for sale, there’s no use in wasting your time or your money with a shady sidestreet dealer or dishonest supplier.
Hallmark Auto is your answer when it comes to buying from a trustworthy source. Here’s why:
- We sell salvage vehicles bought outright from insurance companies (meaning you don’t have to act as an awkward middle man)
- You have the selection of 1 000 vehicles stored at our showrooms in Wynberg and Pretoria which you can opt to buy through an online auction or in-person
- Our online auction process includes a live chat function where you can talk directly to a team of qualified consultants to guide and advise you
- You can arrange a video call with a 360 degree virtual presentation of the vehicle you like or arrange to visit our showroom with your trusted mechanic for a full inspection
- We are aligned with a reputable carrier company to bring your vehicle to you if you are unable to arrange transport or live outside of Gauteng
- Our online prices include VAT and there are no additional admin fees.