I know about carfax and such, but other then that, is there any things just driving it will tell me? Like, if the car has frame damage, does it make certain noises? Turn funny? .. anything?

 

whip out the tape measure and start measuring

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wob &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">whip out the tape measure and start measuring</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah, get a service manual so you know what the measurments should be and start measuring.

 

If it's bent that bad, have a friend follow you as you drive down the street. If the car looks like it's going left/right when it's going straight then the frame is bent.

 

well technically you don't have a frame. It unibody construction meaning panels and boxed sections welded together. If the car had damage somewhere the places to look that are easy to see. In the trunk. lift the tire cover and look at the floor, rear body and around the spare tire well. If it was damaged you will either see the wrinkles in the metal or if it was repaired you will see some sort of newer paint or seam sealing.

The front end is alittle harder to see because alot of it is covered up.

Main thing is to look at the body gaps between panels like, fender to door, hood to fender. Does the trunk or hatch close easily. Hope that helps

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lewie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If it's bent that bad, have a friend follow you as you drive down the street. If the car looks like it's going left/right when it's going straight then the frame is bent.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or alignment could be off.

 

Have the body shop check it if you really have a doubt

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wob &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">whip out the tape measure and start measuring</TD></TR></TABLE>

The proper tool would be a tram gauge to take the measurements. A tape measure is not as accurate, it will get you close but it is not the proper tool for the job.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by apok &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Or alignment could be off.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, I don't mean drive down the road and if it pulls left or right the frame is bent.

I mean, if your car is going in a straight line, but it LOOKS like the car is going left or right then the frame is bent.

 

what he means by looks is the car is tilted one way or the other or one side squats.....so the car itself is going straight but the body is tweaked...just thought i should clarify

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wiscteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what he means by looks is the car is tilted one way or the other or one side squats.....so the car itself is going straight but the body is tweaked...just thought i should clarify </TD></TR></TABLE>

thank you...I guess that is in better layman's terms!