Is it possible to restore a damaged car so well that it will be tough to spot any indications of an accident? Yes, any vehicle can be repaired even after a very serious accident so that it would be very difficult to find any change. So, how can you determine if a used car has been previously involved in an accident?
1. Check the used car history records. Most accidents are reported and the used car history report may show you that the used car you were about to buy had been damaged in a serious accident before. VinAudit.com provides an inexpensive instant VIN lookup reports for second-hand cars in the United States. VinAudit is an authorized consumer access service provider for National Motor Vehicle Title Information System(NMVTIS).
2. Thoroughly examine a used car for signs of previous accidents or corrosion yourself. Is it difficult to spot signs of previous accidents? It's tough, but if you know what to look for, you might be able to catch some identifying signs.
3. Check how body panels fit together. See how different body panels fit together. For instance, the doors, when closed should be perfectly flush with other panels. The same for the hood, trunk lid and other panels.
4. Look out for mismatched colors and difference in paint texture. Concentrate on the quality of the paint. A fresh paint may have a different texture, or signs of a body repair could be obvious under the paint.
5. Look for paint overspray. At the factory, the new car body is painted before anything is installed on it. This means that any plastic trim or wiring should not show any signs of paint.
6. Have the used car properly checked by a knowledgeable mechanic or used car inspector.
