Buying a used car is indeed an alternative for those with a limited budget. However, don't be tempted by low prices. There are many cases where cars are sold cheaply because they have a "dark past," one of which is that they have been in accidents.

At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish between cars that have been in accidents and those that haven't. This is because many cars have been repaired and look smooth inside and out. But behind that shiny paint, there could be hidden damage that will break the bank in the future.

The Dangers Behind Used Cars That Have Been in Accidents

Damage caused by accidents can spread to many areas. In the engine, for example, a hard impact can cause internal components to become misaligned or cause leaks that lead to engine failure. Then there is the risk of electrical system malfunctions, ranging from lights, power windows, to safety systems such as airbags and ABS.

Not to mention if the impact affects the chassis. Even if it has been repaired, the car's frame structure sometimes cannot return to 100% of its original condition. As a result, handling becomes unstable and can be dangerous at high speeds.

How to Check a Used Car for Signs of Collision

To avoid being fooled by the exterior, it is important to check the small details. Look at the gaps between the doors, hood, and trunk. If the gaps are uneven or too wide, it could be a sign of body repairs.

Also pay attention to the paint color between panels, as even a slight difference can be a sign that the car has been repainted. In hidden areas such as under the trunk carpet or door frame, check for weld marks or thick putty.

Another sign can be seen in the body bolts and nuts. If any look new or have been removed, it is likely that the car has been dismantled due to a collision.

Safer to Use Inspection Services

If you are still unsure, there are now many used car inspection services that can help you check the condition of a vehicle before purchasing it. Inspections are usually carried out by experienced technicians and cover the exterior, interior, engine, transmission, and even the authenticity of the vehicle documents.

With a clear report, you can find out the actual condition of the car and avoid the risk of purchasing a used car that has been in an accident.

Conclusion

Buying a used car requires extra caution. Don't just look at the price, but make sure the car is in good condition. If it turns out to be a collision-damaged car, the costs could be higher than the price difference you saved initially. So, always be vigilant and conduct a thorough inspection before making a transaction. Remember, a cheap car doesn't necessarily mean a good deal!

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Waspada Mobil Bekas Tabrakan, Jangan Tergiur Harga Murah!

Beli mobil bekas memang jadi alternatif buat punya kendaraan dengan budget terbatas. Tapi, jangan asal tergiur harga miring dulu. Ada banyak kasus di mana mobil dijual murah karena punya “masa lalu kelam”, salah satunya bekas tabrakan.

Sekilas memang sulit membedakan mana mobil bekas tabrakan dan mana yang nggak. Soalnya, banyak mobil yang sudah direparasi dan tampil mulus luar-dalam. Tapi di balik cat kinclong itu, bisa saja ada kerusakan tersembunyi yang bakal bikin dompet jebol di kemudian hari.

Bahaya di Balik Mobil Bekas Tabrakan

Kerusakan akibat tabrakan bisa merembet ke banyak sektor. Di bagian mesin, misalnya, benturan keras bisa bikin komponen dalam tidak sejajar atau menyebabkan kebocoran yang berujung mesin gampang mogok. Lalu ada risiko gangguan sistem kelistrikan, mulai dari lampu, power window, hingga sistem keselamatan seperti airbag dan ABS.

Belum lagi kalau benturannya sampai kena sasis. Meski sudah diperbaiki, struktur rangka mobil kadang nggak bisa kembali 100% seperti semula. Akibatnya, handling jadi nggak stabil dan bisa berbahaya saat kecepatan tinggi.

Cara Cek Mobil Bekas dari Tanda Tabrakan

Biar nggak ketipu tampilan luar, penting buat cek detail-detail kecil. Lihat celah antara pintu, kap mesin, dan bagasi. Kalau celahnya nggak rata atau terlalu lebar, bisa jadi itu bekas perbaikan bodi.

Perhatikan juga warna cat antar panel, kadang beda sedikit saja sudah jadi tanda kalau mobil pernah dicat ulang. Di area tersembunyi seperti bawah karpet bagasi atau rangka pintu, coba periksa apakah ada bekas las atau dempul tebal.

Ciri lainnya bisa kelihatan di baut dan mur bodi. Kalau ada yang tampak baru atau pernah dilepas, kemungkinan besar mobil itu sudah pernah dibongkar karena tabrakan.

Lebih Aman Pakai Layanan Inspeksi

Kalau masih ragu, sekarang banyak jasa inspeksi mobil bekas yang bisa bantu ngecek kondisi kendaraan sebelum dibeli. Biasanya pemeriksaan dilakukan oleh teknisi berpengalaman, mencakup bagian eksterior, interior, mesin, transmisi, sampai keaslian dokumen kendaraan.

Dengan laporan yang jelas, kamu bisa tahu kondisi sebenarnya dan terhindar dari risiko beli mobil bekas tabrakan yang merugikan.

Kesimpulan

Beli mobil bekas memang butuh kejelian ekstra. Jangan cuma lihat harga, tapi pastikan kondisi mobil benar-benar sehat. Karena kalau ternyata bekas tabrakan, biayanya bisa lebih mahal dari selisih harga yang kamu hemat di awal. Jadi, selalu waspada dan lakukan pemeriksaan menyeluruh sebelum transaksi. Ingat, mobil murah belum tentu untung!