Inspecting a used car you intend to buy is a process that requires attention to detail, and that includes the exterior of the vehicle.
As we have seen in other entries of our blog, paint is an important part of the structure of your car. Therefore, a thorough external revision should be a crucial part of the buying process.
Begin at a Distance; Then Get Closer
Begin with a general inspection. Stand at a distance from the car and walk around it. Make sure that the paint and the finishing are consistent on all surfaces. If necessary, run your hands along the body to make sure that the texture of the paint is uniform as well.
As you get closer to the car, check all body panels. Look for scratches, dents and rust. Misalignments may be the result of careless repairs or a sloppy assembly process.
Look for Rust, Overspray and Paint on Rubber Seals
Any indication of rust should put you on alert, as it’s one of the agents that causes the most damage to your car’s body. Rust may affect the underside of the body as well. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring a small flashlight with you to check spots such as the wheel wells.
Overspray inside the trunk and doors may be a tell-tale sign indicating that the vehicle has been repaired or repainted. On the other hand, paint on the rubber seals around doors and windows is also a hint that the car have been repainted.
Other Details
Minor scratches on the paint are to be expected and they shouldn’t be a cause of concern, but you must factor them in in order to get a fair price.
Any exterior inspection should also include the windshield and windows. Cracks will only worsen, leading to damage that can be expensive to repair.
At Inland Empire Autobody & Paint Inc. we have the expertise and the drive to always deliver great results in all kinds of vehicles, including used cars. We take pride in our day-to-day workmanship and we work closely with our clients to satisfy their every concern.
Call us, contact us through our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get information about our services: Collision repair, custom paint, windshield replacement, rim repair, paintless dent removal, auto detail, complete paint jobs and more!