| Here are the top three standard checks to | | | | an accident repair - Open the boot and |
| make for each area of a used car. They will | | | | bonnet. Is the metal work in good condition? |
| help you identify any misuse or signs of | | | | Wherever there is exposed metal you need to |
| neglect or accident damage. | | | | look for ill-matching colours or buckling. |
| | | | These are signs of an accident |
| INTERIOR - Do all the controls, switches and | | | | |
| displays work properly? - Do all the lights | | | | ENGINE - Is the exhaust smoke-free when the |
| work? - Are the carpets and seats all dry? If | | | | engine is warm? If not, there may be a |
| not, is there a leak? | | | | problem - Is the coolant reservoir full of |
| | | | brightly coloured coolant? It should not be |
| BODYWORK - Is the bodywork free from dents, | | | | empty or brown. If not, are there any leaks |
| scratches and rust? - Make sure you are not | | | | that need further inspection? - Is there |
| checking the car in the wet or the dark, as | | | | plenty of clean oil in the engine? |
| you are more likely to miss problems - Squat | | | | |
| down and look along the sides of the car to | | | | TEST DRIVE - Does the car drive in a straight |
| help you spot mild dents - Pull back rubber | | | | line when you loosen your grip on the wheel? |
| seals around windows. Is the paintwork free | | | | - Is the steering accurate and free from play |
| from over-spray and suspect repair signs? - | | | | or judder? - Does the car pull away and brake |
| Look for signs of additional layers of paint, | | | | easily without any noises or judder? If you |
| or ill-matching spray marks where an | | | | are unable tick one or more of the boxes, the |
| additional layer of paint has been added but | | | | car should be inspected by a qualified |
| the finish is not right. These are signs of | | | | mechanic. |