How to Check if a Used Car Has Been in an Accident

[BradleyRose]

To check if a used car has been in an accident, examine the gaps: look for uniform gaps between body panels and check if the side body lines are smooth. If you notice obvious misalignment in the waistline, it indicates the car has been in a collision, and a severe one at that. Another method is to inspect the ABC pillars and rubber seals: open the car door and pull down the original factory door seal. The door frame and pillars should be straight. Pay special attention to the factory weld points where the ABC pillars meet the car body—they should be slightly rounded and slightly recessed. The lines extending from the roof to the sill should be straight and naturally curved. If you find it difficult to close the door or notice gaps when opening it, this suggests the door has been removed before, confirming the car is indeed an accident vehicle.