How to Tell if a Car Has Been in an Accident

[Greg]

Here are specific methods to determine if a car has been in an accident: 1. Inspect the exterior: (1) Check if the paint color is consistent across the body and whether the surface curvature on both sides is smooth. View the paint reflection at a 30° to 45° angle to see if it appears normal. (2) Observe if the shoulders of the car are at the same height. If not, it may indicate that the body frame has been repaired or the suspension/shock absorbers were not properly fixed. (3) Check if the gaps between the hood and fenders are even; whether the door edge gaps are uniform; and if the gaps around headlights, taillights, and their metal connections are consistent, along with their aging condition. (4) Verify if all glass panels bear the same brand logo. (5) Test if the doors close tightly, produce uniform sounds, and require consistent force to shut. (6) Finally, examine tire wear patterns, brand consistency, and tread uniformity. If discrepancies exist, replacement is necessary post-purchase for driving safety. 2. Inspect the interior: (1) Check if seats and upholstery are clean and tidy, showing no signs of replacement or disassembly. Verify if original headrests and accessories are intact, and test all switches for smooth operation. If seats/interior show signs of refurbishment by dealers, exercise caution as the car may have significant issues. (2) Before starting the engine, turn the ignition key and observe if all dashboard lights function properly. Modern fuel-injected vehicles typically have warning light systems - all indicators should illuminate during this check. Missing lights may indicate undisclosed faults where bulbs were deliberately removed. 3. Test drive: (1) During startup, assess engine starting difficulty based on driving experience. Heavy cranking sounds suggest potential issues with the starter motor, battery, or related components. (2) After starting, verify steering wheel resistance is equal in both directions with proper turning radius. Check if front wheels scrub against wheel wells during full-lock turns, which could indicate prior accident damage posing safety risks. (3) For manual transmissions, evaluate clutch plate wear by considering mileage and pedal height. Test gear shifting smoothness - difficulty engaging gears suggests severe synchronizer wear requiring major repairs.