As a buyer, it is crucial to understand the car’s condition at the time of purchase. A used car could have a hidden history of accidents, title issues, or mechanical failures. What is functional damage on Carfax? It refers to problems that directly affect the car’s operation, such as engine trouble, brake failure, or electrical system malfunctions. Identifying this kind of damage early helps you avoid costly repairs and ensures the vehicle is safe and reliable before you commit to the purchase.
That is why it is vital to run a VIN decoder and obtain a Carfax report for any car you wish to buy. These reports provide you with the car’s previous accident history, salvage title, and service records.
In this article, we will guide you on what functional damage is on a Carfax report and help you understand it better.
What is a Functional Damage on a Carfax?
A functional damage on a Carfax report refers to a part of the vehicle that is not functioning as it should. It can be anything, such as an engine, windshield, roof, gate lock, or any other function.
A dent or a scratch might be okay, but a damaged engine can be a serious issue. It can significantly affect your car’s ability to travel from point A to point B. Therefore, functional damage should not be ignored at any cost.
Common Functional Damages Found in Every Used Car
When buying a used car, you may encounter various types of functional damage. These typically indicate issues that can affect the performance, safety, or reliability of the vehicle. Let’s dive into the common functional damages that will help you make an informed decision when buying a used car.
Engine Issues
Engine malfunction is one of the serious issues commonly found in used cars. It includes issues such as oil leaks, overheating, rough idling, or unusual noises. These damages are expensive to repair. Therefore, it is advisable to highlight these issues and take a test drive before purchasing the car.
Transmission Issues
The transmission controls how the car shifts gears. If it’s damaged, you might notice delayed or jerky shifting, slipping gears, or trouble accelerating. These problems can make the car hard to drive and may require a complete rebuild or replacement.
Brake Defects
Brakes are essential elements in every car. Common brake-related damage includes worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or malfunctioning anti-lock brake systems (ABS). This issue should be taken seriously to prevent any future critical damage.
Suspension Problems
Suspension issues are common in used vehicles due to age, mileage, or past accidents. Any visible leaks around suspension components usually signal failure and require repair. Some common suspension problems are damaged control arms or bushed, sagging sings, and uneven tire.
Cooling System Issues
This is one of the common issues found in every used car. If you live in a country with high temperatures, your car must have a sound cooling system. The cooling system prevents the engine from overheating by transferring excess heat from the engine to the radiator, where it is released into the air.
These are the functional damages usually found in used cars. Make sure to run a Carfax report before buying any car.
Advantages of Knowing Functional Damages in a Car
Functional damages are not significant for a car, but they can give you some advantages. Here are some:
Better Price Negotiation
If a car has minor damage that you think can be easily repaired, then you can negotiate a better price. You can use damage information to negotiate a lower asking price or request repairs before making a purchase.
Improved Safety
Of course, no one wants a damaged car as it can bring serious issues when driving. Therefore, knowing functional damages before purchasing ensures you’re not buying a vehicle that could fail in critical situations. It allows you to fix issues before hitting the road or choose a safer alternative altogether.
Transparency When Buying
Knowing and disclosing functional damage creates an atmosphere of honesty between the buyer and seller. A seller who is upfront earns the buyer’s trust, while the buyer can feel more confident moving forward. Transparency reduces the likelihood of future disputes and ensures both parties are on the same page throughout the transaction.
Legal Protection – Peace of Mind
Documenting functional damage is beneficial for both you and the seller. With this, you can have proof if, somehow, the seller makes fake accusations against you for damaging the car. In many regions, it’s even a legal requirement to disclose such damage, and doing so keeps you compliant with the law.
Durability of a Vehicle
If you are aware of the functional damage in your purchased car, you can extend the vehicle’s durability by addressing the core issues. Preventive maintenance based on accurate diagnostics keeps the car running reliably for years.
Why Choose CheapCarfax.net For your Next Report?
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We offer a free VIN Decoder in case you want to decode the VIN of any car you’re considering buying.
At CheapCarfax.net, we empower buyers and dealers alike to make confident, informed decisions. Our flexible packages, ranging from 3 to 200 reports, provide you with instant access to accident history, title issues, and hidden functional damage that others might overlook. If you don’t know how to decode a VIN, check this post.
Don’t risk buying blind. Choose your report package today, uncover the truth about any used car, and drive away knowing you made the right choice.
