Warning! Recognize 5 Signs a Used Car Has Been in an Accident

KatadataOTO – Buying a used car is not an easy matter because it requires extra attention. Many used vehicles look good but have actually been in a severe accident.

This condition makes potential customers vulnerable to being deceived. In fact, a car that has been in a collision has the potential for damage and adds to the customer's losses.

However, customers can actually still avoid this situation. This is because a car that has been in a collision usually leaves traces on various parts of the vehicle.

By paying attention to these vulnerable areas, the inspection process will be easier and more accurate.

How to Identify a Used Car That Has Been in an Accident

1. Inconsistent Color and Thickness of Car Paint

Photo: KatadataOTO

The first check is to observe the condition of the car's paint. Inconsistent paint color is often an initial clue that the car has undergone body repairs.

Some panels may appear duller, shinier, or have a different color shade. A rough paint texture,  uneven surface, or wavy panels can indicate the use of body filler.

For more accuracy, use a coating thickness gauge to check it. On Japanese cars, the normal paint thickness is 90–100 microns, while for European cars, it's around 160–170 microns.

Panels with a paint thickness far above these figures have likely been repainted.

Also, pay attention to the following signs

• There is overspray on the door seals
• The edges of the panels look unnatural
• The paint surface looks too shiny, as if new

All of these are signs that the used car has undergone body repairs.

2. Imprecise Car Panel Gaps

After checking the paint, pay attention to the panel precision. A car that has been in a collision usually has panels that do not return to a 100 percent precise condition.

Pay attention to the following signs as they are quite easy to understand:

• The gap between the hood and the left and right fenders is different
• The door gap appears wider on one side
• The trunk looks crooked when closed
• The bumper looks misaligned

Try opening and closing the doors, hood, and trunk several times. If it doesn't feel right or makes a strange noise, it could be a sign that the car was repaired after an accident.

Asymmetrical panel signs are one of the most common indicators of a car that has been in a collision.

3. Structural Damage to the Frame and Chassis

The frame is the most important part of the car's structure. If this part is damaged, the car's quality and safety cannot be restored to their original condition.

When opening the hood, observe the apron area, shock tower, and radiator support. If there are small dents, weld marks, or an asymmetrical shape, it is likely a sign of post-accident repair.

You can also tap the panels in the engine bay. A sharp sound indicates the panel is still original, while a thick or muffled sound indicates the presence of body filler.

The underside of the car must also be inspected

• The chassis looks bent
• Untidy repair marks
• Rust appears only in specific areas
• The radiator position is not straight

Damage to the frame structure can directly affect the car's stability when driven.

4. Airbag Indicator and Interior Condition

Photo: KatadataOTO

The interior can also provide strong clues about the accident history. The airbag is a safety feature that only activates during a severe impact.

When you start the car, the airbag indicator light should turn on for a few seconds and then turn off. If the light does not turn on at all or stays on, it's possible the airbag has deployed and the system has been tampered with.

Also, pay attention to the following:

• The airbag cover on the steering wheel or dashboard looks uneven
• The dashboard cover shows signs of glue
• The seatbelt does not retract perfectly
• The dashboard bolts do not look original

You can ask a workshop to perform an ECU scan to confirm if the airbag has ever been activated or improperly replaced.

5. Instability During the Test Drive

The test drive is the most crucial step before buying a used car. A unit that has been in an accident often shows signs of instability when driven.

Some signs to watch for during the test drive:

• The steering wheel is not straight even when the car is moving straight
• The car feels like it's pulling to the right or left
• Abnormal vibrations occur at certain speeds
• Squeaking or knocking sounds when going over bumpy roads
• The suspension feels unbalanced
• The wheels look misaligned