Chances are, the TrueValue guy is bluffing about the seal on the cars.
Apart from checking for outer body finish, and in-shape components under the bonnet, a good way of telling whether the car has been in an accident is to drive it on a straight, leveled road and let go of the steering wheel. If it automatically steers to the left or right, it has probably been in an accident. Make sure that all the tyres are inflated properly at correct pressure, otherwise you'll get a false alarm.
Also, accidented vehicle will vibrate and bounce more than normal, when driven at high speed, or on a bad road. So, test drive it thoroughly.
That said, I'd also like to say that, not all accidented cars are bad. If properly repaired, and maintained afterwards, they can even be a "great-value-buy"s than a poorly maintained vehicle with a good 'on-paper' history. Have seen many accidented vehicles live a trouble-free life for another 10 years. |