inspecting body and paint

Why is inspecting car's body and paint important?

     Inspecting car's paint and overall body condition can uncover potential accident history.

What to look for?

     Closely look at all gaps and hinges. Hood gaps, trunk gaps, door gaps, window gaps, headlight, taillight, fender, and bumper gaps. Any irregularities in gaps might indicate all sorts of previous damage.

     Look closely and carefully for any irregularities, bumps, crookedness on panels themselves, this might indicate bodywork or frame damage.

     Get a magnet and check suspicious areas with the magnet. Magnet will not stick to repaired areas . Some cars have carbon fiber panels, magnet will not stick to them at all. It helps to research if the car you're interested in has carbon fiber panels or not. Usually it's very hard to tell if carbon fiber panel has been repaired, because they are usually replaced as a whole if they are damaged. 

     Pay close attention to paint on all panels. Is any one or two panel brighter than others? Is the color a little different? Does the paint look overall newer? Are there any signs of overspray around the edges? Are moldings attached poorly?

     Look at car's roof from a few angles. Is the roof straight? Not crooked? If it is crooked, avoid such car, since it's likely to have frame damage.

     Open the hood and look around edges to see if there is any fresh paint, irregularities or other signs or damage or repairs being done. Do the same with the trunk. Open and close all doors to make sure they operate smoothly.

Conclusion:

     Careful inspection of body and paint can potentially save you from buying an inferior quality car.