Buying a used car can save you packets of money, but you need to be smart when you make the purchase. You expect a little wear and tear on old cars, but you should know when a car is not worth buying. Cars that have been in serious accidents might have sloppy repair jobs that impact the value of the car and can be dangerous on the road. Here are five red flags to look for when you’re inspecting a used car. These will help you make an informed purchase.
Gaps Between Body Panels
When a car is new, gaps between body panels are all uniform and each panel aligns with the other perfectly. A car that has been in an accident might have one gap that is just slightly larger and smaller than the others. Check the gaps between doors, body panels, trunk lids, bumpers, and fenders for inconsistencies.
Mismatched Paint
A slap-dash paint job could be covering up some fairly serious dents and damage. Bad paint is fairly easy to spot. The car you buy should have a consistent color and tone. Always look at the bumpers, around the door jams, and the cowl of the hood for inconsistencies in color, gloss or tone.
Large, Streaky Patches of Bondo
When applied in small patches, Bondo effectively prevents old cars from being consumed by rust. It’s not unreasonable to buy a used car with small patches of Bondo, provided everything else seems to be in order. However, look out for large patches, cross-hatching or a streak that is ill-disguised by paint. Crouch down and check the fender wells. Touch the parts of the panel that you’re unsure about. If it doesn’t feel smooth to the touch, there’s a problem.
Bent Frame
When the frame of a car is forced a particular way, it makes the whole car weak. A bent frame is the surest sign that the car has been in an accident and has been wrestled into a semblance of its former shape. Inspect headlight sconces, the cross members, the crimping around the wheel wells and the frame rails at the rear. If there’s any damage, it’s likely to be in these areas.