How to check for repaired body damage on automobiles

Have you ever wondered if that beautiful used car you are thinking about buying has been in a wreck? Would you like to know how to tell? Once you know what to look for, it is easy to spot collision repairs on a vehicle. This article will explain the basics of detecting repaired body damage so you can make an informed and thus wiser decision for your next used care purchase.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good eyesight

1. Look at the paint.
   Take a good long look at the paint. Make sure you have plenty of sunlight to observe the vehicle with. First you will see if all the doors, fenders and panels match. Are there any color variations? Depending upon the age of the vehicle, the trunk lid, roof and hood may be faded and may not match. If a door, fender or quarter panel looks like a lighter or darker color than the surrounding area, it's probably been repainted due to a collision.
2. Now, look down the left and right sides of the vehicle.
   Is it wavy or straight? Do all the gaps between the panels have a uniformed space or does the gap widen or narrow? Open the doors and look at the paint on the inside door jams and compare the color to the paint on the outside - is it the same? Is there any overspray (excess paint) on the door jams or foot step? Is there any overspray on the door or window weatherstrips? If so, it may indicate a collision repair.
3. Open the hood and trunk.
   Look for overspray inside the engine compartment or on the trunk lid. It the paint color on the inside of the hood or trunk lid the same exact color as the rest of the vehicle? Are any stickers or labels painted over?
   When you close the hood and trunk, are the gaps uniformed or uneven?
   Can you detect the smell of paint inside the trunk?
4. Sit inside the vehicle.
   Do you smell paint? Can you see any overspray on the front or rear windshields? Roll all the windows up and down - do any bind or scrap?
5. Inspect the outside light lenses.
   Are they original or replacements? Many times a vehicle that has been wrecked will have aftermarket lenses due to insurance companies wanting to save money.

Tips & Warnings

• If a dealership knows of any collision repairs, they are required by law to disclose the information.
• Have a professional appraiser inspect the vehicle prior to purchase.
• Remember, these are suggestions for detecting collision repairs but this does not guarantee you will notice anything.