What To Know When Buying A Car With Frame Damage

Car frame damage can be a serious issue that may affect a vehicle’s safety, performance, and resale value. While some frame-damaged cars can be repaired and driven safely, others may be beyond restoration. If you’re considering purchasing a car with frame damage, it is essential to understand the risks, repair possibilities, and what to look for before making a decision. Check out this guide crafted by the experts at Sunroad Collision Center for answers to your car frame damage questions.

Should You Never Buy a Car With Frame Damage?

While not all frame damage is a dealbreaker, it is always something that requires careful consideration. A car’s frame is its backbone, absorbing impact in an accident and keeping all components aligned. If the frame becomes compromised, the vehicle may not be able to provide the same level of protection in the event of an accident.

Minor frame damage that has been properly repaired doesn’t always mean you should walk away – sometimes, it can be a good deal if you’re looking to save money. However, you need to know exactly what was damaged and check that everything was repaired to high safety standards.

Before purchasing a car, always ask for a vehicle history report, such as a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ or an AutoCheck® Report, and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic prior to committing to a purchase. If you see frame-reported damage in the documents, you’ll want to explore the causes and steps taken to rectify the damage.

Can You Drive a Car With Frame Damage?

In general, no, you should not drive a car with frame damage – no matter the severity of the impairment – until it’s properly repaired. While it may be possible to drive a short distance to your preferred collision center, it’s always safest and advisable to have the automobile towed – after all you don’t want to risk the well-being of yourself or others. Just take a look at some of the potential risks of cars with structural damage:

• Compromised Crash Protection: A damaged frame might not absorb impact properly in an accident, which can increase the risk of injury.
• Misaligned & Improper Handling: A vehicle with frame damage may pull to one side, have trouble driving straight, or have uneven tire wear.
• Weakened Structural Components: Additional stress on components due to frame damage can lead to premature wear and expensive repairs.

If you are unsure whether or not a vehicle with frame damage can be fixed, making it safe to drive again, have a professional collision center like Sunroad Collision Center assess it. In some cases, repairs can restore the automobile’s structural integrity, but in others, the damage may be too severe to remedy completely.

Can You Repair a Car With Frame Damage?

Yes, car frame damage can be repaired in many instances, but it’s on a case-by-case basis. The success of the repairs depends on the extent of the damage. At Sunroad Collision Center, our expertly trained technicians use specialized equipment to assess and repair (when possible) vehicle frame damage.

A car with prior frame damage may always carry some level of risk, even if it has been repaired. For example, if a vehicle has a salvage title due to a collision, that means the damage is so severe that an insurance company declares it a total loss. I.e., repairing the vehicle would be more expensive than the car is worth. Let’s say you go ahead with extensive repairs anyway – some insurance providers may charge higher premiums or even outright refuse to provide coverage for cars with prior frame damage.

Top 3 Things You Should Look for With a Car With Frame Damage

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to buy an automobile with car frame damage, here are three critical factors to consider before making your final decision.

Severity of the Damage

Not all frame damage is the same. Minor damage, such as small bends or dents, may not dramatically alter the performance or safety of the vehicle, especially once repaired. However, if a car has significant structural damage that impacts critical areas of the chassis, it can be a serious safety concern. Always request a vehicle history report and a detailed record of repairs, then have an expert inspect the car before you purchase it.

Repair Quality

If a car has had frame damage, you need to know who fixed it. If it was a high-caliber collision center that uses the right tools and follows the manufacturer’s guidelines, the vehicle might still be worth buying. Bad repairs, on the other hand, can lead to serious problems – and safety is a big one. Without a restoration history and inspection by qualified technicians who can assess the repair work for you, you may not be able to tell the quality of car frame damage repairs.

Alignment & Driveability

The car should drive smoothly and handle correctly, even if it once had frame damage that was repaired. Test-drive the vehicle (after it has been inspected) and pay close attention to whether or not it holds a straight path. If you notice any unusual pulling, vibrations, shakiness, strange noises, or excess bumpiness, they may be signs of lingering problems.

Contact Sunroad Collision Center Today

If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle with car frame damage, Sunroad Collision Center is here to help. We can inspect the model and provide a free estimate of how much it may cost to repair it. If you ever do have a model that has sustained damage, our expert technicians provide professional auto body repairs at our state-of-the-art collision center.