How to Tell If a Car Has Been Wrecked

Determine if a car has been in an accident.

You can tell if your car has been wrecked by looking over it completely and knowing what to look for. You can purchase a vehicle history report on the vehicle, although the reports are not always accurate--if someone pays out of pocket for repairs and does not put in a claim, the accident does not show on a history report. The title can also list if there has been documented damage, such as salvage title. Using your eyes or the help of a professional can help you determine if the vehicle has been in a wreck.

Instructions

1. Walk around the vehicle to check paint color and matching. A professional body shop will blend the paint into other undamaged panels of the vehicle so that the paint matches. Check around the entire car to make sure all paint is equally worn or equally shiny.

2. Pay close attention to where all panels and parts meet up. For example, make sure the trunk is properly aligned all the way around or make sure the fenders line up with the doors appropriately on each side of the vehicle. All lines should meet up properly with the same amount of space in between the body panels.

3. Open the trunk, the hood and all doors. Pay close attention to screws, bolts, washers and hinges--vehicles that have been in an accident and have had body work done may replace the items, but the items do not line up to where they once were. For example, when furniture is moved off of carpet, a spot remains on the carpet showing where the furniture has been--bolts, screws and washers do the same against metal.

4. Check for paint over-spray. Check all door jams, under the hood, along the trunk and on all plastic moldings around the vehicle. Over-spray does not happen at the factory when the vehicle is built--keep in mind that paint does not belong on any vehicle parts other than the metal itself.

5. Look closely at parallel parts of the vehicle under the trunk or the hood. You shouldn't see one side designed with welded pieces and one side with bolts. Make sure the sides and connections match up appropriately.

6. Check underneath the hood and underneath the vehicle, if possible. Again, you should see similarities in parallel areas--all bolts, hinges and body parts should match up. Determine whether or not there are significant new parts on one side of the car and not the other. If you notice aftermarket parts in one area of the car you can assume that it has been in accident.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot tell if the vehicle has been in a wreck or aren't sure, check with a professional. Body work and vehicle technicians can quickly identify previous work that has been done.

References

• MSU.edu: How to Spot Paintwork on a Car