What are some good reasons to trade in a vehicle after it has been in an accident?

Answer

Who really wants a damaged car? If you can afford to unload the car and get another one that suits you, do it. All kinds of things can be wrong with a car that has been bashed. Unit body cars are commonly distorted all over. Sometimes one that has been crunched in a front corner shows warped metal on the opposite rear corner! Often doors don't line up properly. The windshield may crack at a later time even though it wasn't broken in the crash. A newer car may be more economical to operate and is likely to be more up-to-date in its safety design. For example, my van has been crunched on its right front corner. The repair was done sloppily - just "good enough." Nothing really lines up quite right on the front end anymore. It looks OK and I'll probably keep it until it is all used up. Nevertheless I'd rather have a new or newer one. The new ones have 4-wheel disc brakes instead of drums in the rear, with traction control, better engine management system, improved air bags, and a lot of updated stuff. If I could afford a new one or a much newer one (it's 7 years old) I'd unload this one and get the new one.

First answer by ID0000000000. Last edit by ID0000000000. Question popularity: 166 [recommend question]