Can a replaced car trunk be detected?
2 Answers
Specific observations can be made from the following aspects: 1. Color difference: If the trunk has been replaced, there may be a certain color difference between it and the body. It's quite simple—compare the color of the trunk with the nearby ABC pillars. If the difference is too significant, there's likely an issue. There's no need to compare it with the entire body. 2. Fit: Sometimes, even after replacing these parts, they may still fit perfectly. 3. Car windows: In more severe accidents, the car windows may have cracked or at least been damaged, requiring replacement. Therefore, clues can also be found through the car windows. However, this is not 100% accurate, as sometimes replacing the trunk may not involve replacing the windows.
To check if the trunk has been replaced, focus on signs of accident repairs. My car had a minor accident before, and the trunk was replaced—careful inspection can reveal this. For example, check if the seam between the rear bumper and the trunk lid is evenly aligned; if a new part was installed, the seam might show slight misalignment or irregularity. Also, examine the paint color—over time, factory paint oxidizes and changes color, while repainted areas may appear darker or lighter. Shine a flashlight along the edges to spot differences. The sealing rubber strip is another key point—new car trunks have smoothly bonded strips, whereas reinstalled ones may show cutting marks or unevenness. Inspect the trunk lock hole and soundproofing material inside for scratches from new screws or residual glue marks. By the way, this often happens with accident-damaged or rust-treated cars and can affect overall body structural safety, so buyers should be cautious. Additionally, compare the car with stock images—if the emblem position differs or there are unusual noises when opening the trunk, it may indicate a replacement. In short, if these issues aren’t properly fixed, future leaks or noise problems could become major headaches. It’s best to have a professional inspect the car before purchase.
