How to inspect a used car

Buying a used car can be tricky. Can you really trust the seller to be honest about the history of the car? How can you tell if you're getting what you paid for? When it comes to buying a used car, whether it's at the dealer or online from a private seller, an inspection in person is a must. While not entirely foolproof, you can look for some telltale signs that the vehicle may have been in an accident by inspecting the body of the car.

1. Check the body lines - look down the sides of the car. The body lines should be straight with no interruptions or indentations. A couple of small dings are probably insignificant as it won't affect the car's performance, but you could probably negotiate on the price if you detect any noticeable surface faults.


2. Check the gaps - look between the fenders and doors, the hood and along the boot. The gaps should remain even along their entire lengths. An uneven gap could be an indication of significant impact to that area of the car.


3. Check the paint work - a border between panels or a slight variance in the shade of paint is can be an indication that one of the panels has been replaced and repainted. You should also look for any peeling of the top clear coat - this points to a shoddy paint job.


4. Look for corrosion - corrosion and rust could be problematic. Look along the bottom of the door. One or two spots is okay, but if there is significant corrosion or if the frame has rusted through, best turn somewhere else for your next car purchase.


5. Look for flood damage - corrosion and rust are some of the most common signs of flood damage, which could have potential impacts on your vehicle's performance in the long term. Check for water stains or signs of moisture under the seats or on the floor mats. Be suspicious of a distinct mildew odour.

It's best to check the car in daylight as any of these faults will be more noticeable. Another handy resource is to run a car history report on the Vehicle Identification Number of the car. This report includes whether the car has been written-off, stolen, had flood or water damage and what the car;s valuation is. You'll also get a REVs check or VSR check that will let you know if the car carries any outstanding debt with it.