Top 5 Easy Ways To Spot Accidented or Salvage Cars in Nigeria

Salvage cars or accidented cars are popularly known in Nigeria. While most people know about them, there are some others who don’t know what salvaged cars are. What makes a car titled salvage, and what are the characteristics of a salvage car? 

As one of the highest importers of used vehicles, these used vehicles coming into Nigeria come in various shapes. One of them is the accidented cars.

What Does A Salvaged Car Mean? 

A car is identified as salvaged after being damaged before reselling. These damages could be a result of the accident, hail damage, flood damage, or other damages the car experienced. To indicate that the vehicle has undergone damage, it is usually titled ‘salvage.’ The insurance company usually issues a salvage certificate, especially when the vehicle is deemed a total loss. 

In most car dealerships in Nigeria, we find cars like this. Not many car lovers like buying them. But it’s often challenging for some to fish them out. 

Here are some of the characteristics of a salvaged car to help you quickly identify them when purchasing a car.

5 Characteristics Of Salvaged Cars In Nigeria

Below are some of the top features of salvaged cars in Nigeria. They include:

1. They are Titled “Salvaged”

An easy way to figure this out is through VIN. With the aid of a Vehicle Identification Number, an individual may run a VIN check and obtain a detailed vehicle history report from Detailed Vehicle History. This report will clearly indicate the vehicle’s title, present condition, and title history. Detailed Vehicle History is currently providing vehicle history reports for classic and modern cars! 

2. They are Usually Sold at Discounted Price Tags 

A major feature of accidented cars is that they are sold below their current market price. A salvage-title car is typically worth 20% to 40% less than one with a clean title, so if your prospective car has a price tag significantly lower than normal, it may be time for you to pause and reflect. Take note, however, that not all salvage cars have severe damage.

3. They Include Rusty Metallic Parts

This is a red flag for identifying accidented cars in Nigeria. A sharp smell in the interior of the vehicle usually accompanies this red flag. This rust is usually a result of a flood. 

So watch out for rust on the car throttle and other pedals/ metallic parts; flood-damaged vehicles usually develop electrical/electronic faults, which pose a severe danger to the lives of the passengers. 

Most times, the sharp smell of a flood-damaged vehicle is usually masked with a car cologne by dealerships, so if the interior of a vehicle is heavily scented, then it may be time to pause and reflect. This, however, is not always the case. 

4. They Come With Obvious Dents And Damages

Some salvaged vehicles’ have dents and scratches clearly visible around the body. This is an indication that some form of collision or crash has damaged the vehicle. A vehicle history report which shows auction images, usually lares bare the true condition of the vehicle before it was sold off at the auction.

5. They May Come As Stolen Vehicles 

Stolen vehicles are also written off as salvage cars. Now, how to know if a vehicle is stolen or not. The Detailed Vehicle History vehicle history report provides in-depth information on accident and theft records of used vehicles. Run a VIN check and confirm the status of any vehicle today! 

Conclusively, while buying a used vehicle may seem to be an economic venture, one must be on the lookout for the red flags associated with them, of which salvage title is part and parcel. By utilizing a vehicle history report and other suggestions outlined here, one can examine their prospective car to know whether they should. 

Conclusion

Accidented cars are not the favourite of car lovers. As such, car lovers tend to avoid purchasing cars like this in the market. If you ever suspect the vehicle you are purchasing could be a salvaged car, use the tips above to double-check.