5 Checks to Spot Hidden Accident Damage (Before You Regret It)

You don't need to be a mechanic to spot a cover-up; you just need to know where to look. Start with the panel gaps: is the space between the bonnet and the fender consistent on both sides? If one side is tight and the other wide, the car has been hit and repaired poorly.

Check the bolts on the bonnet and doors. If the paint on the bolts is stripped or chipped, those panels have been removed for repair or replacement. Finally, lift the carpet in the boot. Factory spot welds are neat and circular; repair welds look messy and uneven. If you see silicone smeared in the boot floor, walk away—that car has been rear-ended. Don't let a shiny exterior fool you; the secrets are always hidden in the joints.