While purchasing a new car there is no such need to clearly inspect all the parts. But in case of a used car, inspection is a must. There are many accidents occurring everyday. Some cars are squashed or stripped for parts and some are written off, but the remaining cars are come into the market as used cars. Any car can restore ever after a collision, in these cases identifying of collision is very difficult.
Carpets, trim and upholstery: Check for the wear and tear in trim, upholstery and carpets of the car.
Accident damage or Rust: Check inside the boot, lower sills and doors for dark, red or other stains, the floor wells, bubbled or dimpled paint. Check the panels for plastic body filler with a soft fridge magnet. Rust or other damage may conceal with a vinyl roof. Once the car is having five to six years old, it will show at least some rust unless the car is rust proofed properly. Rust is an issue with used cars in winter months where salt is used.
Some cars have the rust on a few spots, and in some cars brake components, body panels and through floors. The rust spots can fix or repair for temporarily. But it is difficult to stop when the corrosion process is started. If the car had many rust parts, it will reappear later. So if you found major rust parts, it is better to avoid for used cars.
Paint: Look for over spraying, ripples or dents and color variation. Look at the car alongside and from different angles to check paint texture of different panels match, color, and everything looks straight. The possible body repairs can also recognize by checking the quality of a paint job. Fresh paint looks slightly different in appearance or different texture. By looking at the reflection, sometimes can spot the differences in paint textures. The original paint should be perfectly smooth, check it by touch.
Panels fit: Check for the panel fit. If the panels are loose, it indicates that the car has been driven regularly over the rough roads or caused because of accident. For example when doors are closed, with the other panels it should be perfectly flush. This is same for trunk lid, hood and other other panels.
Hail damage: The hail damage is mainly found on horizontal panel surfaces like boot lid, roof, and bonnet. If there are any signs of hail damage on the car, check with the insurance company. Because they may not insure the hail damaged cars until it is fixed.
Floods and water logging damage the car. They might not effect immediately, but it becomes more more expensive to repair the car in the long run. Flooded water can enter into the different parts of the car and damage by corrosion.
Check out for musty smell, water stains on door covers, roof liner and on the seats. Inspect trunk covers and door covers for water level signs. Check for the history report and if the car is came from the recent flooded area, check more thoroughly.