 | Jeff Lovell is the owner of Neptune Radiator and Auto Repair. He started a radiator repair shop in 1996 and has grown over the last 15 years into an automotive repair shop. With 3 ASE Certified technicians including 1 Master ASE Certified technician, they have over 40 years of combined experience. They do everything except glass and body repair. For more information please contact us at 620.231.5890 or visit us at 902 West 4th Street. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2013-01-02 15:51:15
How can I tell if a car is a rebuilder?
Q-With technology and everything else improving so much it seems very easy to fake just about anything these days. Right now, as I am in the market for a good used car, I am wondering if there are any sure ways to spot a rebuilder?
A-Many people these days are buying late-model cars as they provide a great balance of reliability, performance, and value. Since the cars have already taken that initial hit in depreciation, you save a significant amount of money—that is, assuming that all things are what they seem.
Buying used is, most often, a great option. You do however need to be on the look-out for those cars being represented as having a stellar history, when they actually have a sketchy past. Before you buy, look for these signs that a car has taken a hit:
• Areas of paint overspray
• Chipping or mismatched paint
• CAPA(Certified Automotive Parts Association) stickers that indicate collision repair
• Misaligned fenders
• Uneven tread wear patterns
• Mold stains on carpet or upholstery indicating water damage
• Silt in cracks of trunk indicating flood damage
• Fresh undercoating on wheel wells, chassis, or engine suggest structural repairs cover-up
• Inconsistent welds around trunk, hood, or door which are likely to be non-factory welds
• Frayed safety belts or belts that have melted together indicate a frontal impact above 15mph
• Dashboard airbag light that does not light up indicates an airbag was either replaced improperly or not at all
• Electronic problems
• Crimped, crunched or bent pipes and fuel lines
• Doors that do not close properly or stick
• damaged nuts and metal on top of strut tower indicating the frame might have been realigned
While it is easy to fake things so well that on the surface they look legitimate, a deeper look will always tell the tale. If you have questions, always enlist the help of an automotive professional.
