How to Avoid Buying a Rebuilt Wrecked Car

The Consumer Affairs Commission encourages consumers to make the following inspections to see if a car has been wrecked:

• Check to see that the paint on the outside of the door matches the paint inside the doorframe.
  Respraying a vehicle is just one way of camouflaging body damages because the vehicle will appear brand new or in a good condition. Usually, only the outside of the car will be sprayed so 
  it will be easy to tell the color differences.
  
• Make sure that the parts of the car line up with each other.
  Not all mechanics are neat workers and at times, the best mechanics fail to put the body parts of a badly damaged vehicle back in line.
  
• Ensure that the gaps between the doors and around the hood and trunk are straight and even.
  This is important, as if these parts are not straight or if they are uneven the car may leak in water when it rains.
  
• Have a mechanic check underneath for evidence of welding of the frame or underbody.
  Maybe you won't know what to look for, but if you take a reputable mechanic who has years of experience in his field, he'll be able to point out shabby workmanship.
  
• Check the title to see where the car was registered. Severely damaged cars often move from one parish to another.
  Persons with damaged cars feel more secure to sell their vehicle 
  in a parish where no one knows neither them nor the vehicle.
  
• Look for evidence of flood damage.
  Check the mat under the trunk for mud or dirt. Look for watermarks on the inside of the doors and for moisture inside the trunk and under the seats.
  
• Check the validity of the year of the vehicle quoted by the dealer or seller.
  Some sellers will misrepresent the year the vehicle was made in order to get a higher price.