How to Check a Used Car for Accident Damage

How to Check a Used Car for Accident Damage

Buying a used car is a smart decision for many drivers, especially when it comes to saving money without compromising on reliability. However, one major concern is whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident. While not all accident damage is a deal-breaker, it's important to understand the extent of any previous damage and whether it was properly repaired. Here's how you can check a used car for accident damage before making a purchase.

Why It’s Important to Identify Previous Accident Damage

Accident damage, if not properly disclosed or repaired, can lead to serious consequences for someone who is buying a used car. From compromised safety features to hidden mechanical faults, the risks extend far beyond cosmetic imperfections. Spotting accident history early ensures the vehicle is safe, structurally sound, and worth the price.

Even well-repaired vehicles may lose value due to their history. Being informed about a car’s past empowers you to negotiate confidently, avoid surprises, and invest in a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.

Impact on Safety and Reliability

Previous accident damage can compromise a vehicle’s structural integrity. Even if the car appears to be in good shape, hidden issues with the frame, crumple zones, or alignment can affect how it performs in future collisions. Faulty repairs might also interfere with the function of critical safety systems like airbags, braking sensors, or stability control systems.

Driving a car with undetected damage could lead to premature wear on components or result in unpredictable handling. It’s not just about the car looking good—it’s about ensuring it drives safely and reliably under all conditions.

Effect on Resale Value

Accident history can significantly lower a vehicle’s market value. Even if the car has been fully repaired, potential future buyers may hesitate or negotiate a lower price once they learn of previous damage.

Transparency matters. If you're investing in a used car, understanding its repair history allows you to make an informed decision, and prevents future headaches if you decide to sell or trade in the vehicle later.

Visual Inspection Tips

A thorough visual inspection is one of the first steps in identifying whether a used vehicle has been involved in an accident. Many signs of damage or repair can be spotted with a careful eye and the right approach. While not every imperfection is a red flag, multiple clues can point to past damage that may affect the car's performance or value. This section outlines key visual indicators to look for and how to examine a vehicle from bumper to bumper with confidence.

Body Panels and Paintwork

Start with a close look at the exterior. Uneven panel gaps, ripples in the paint, or colour mismatches between panels can indicate a repair job. Walk around the car in good lighting and look at reflections in the paint to spot any inconsistencies.

Also, check for overspray on the edges of panels, around windows, or under rubber seals, these are signs the car may have been repainted. Repaired areas often have a slightly different texture or sheen compared to factory paint.

Frame and Structure

Examine the engine bay, undercarriage, and inside the boot for signs of welding or new bolts. Uneven seams, non-factory welds, or newly painted metal can indicate structural repairs. The frame should be straight, with no signs of bending or patchwork.

Pay special attention to areas around the wheel arches, radiator support, and shock towers. These regions often absorb the impact in a collision and can be difficult to repair perfectly.

Glass and Headlights

Inconsistent branding or manufacturing dates on the windows and headlights may suggest replacement due to damage. A newer windshield on an older vehicle can point to a front-end collision.

Make sure all glass fits properly within its frame and doesn’t have chips or cracks. Fogged-up headlights or tail lights could indicate water intrusion, often a result of past impacts or faulty reinstallation.

Mechanical and Alignment Checks

While a visual inspection is a great starting point, checking for mechanical and alignment issues should also be included in the used car inspection checklist. This provides a deeper understanding of how well the car has been maintained and whether it's structurally sound. Past accidents can disrupt a vehicle's steering, suspension, and handling, areas that often require a trained eye or a detailed test drive to evaluate. This section focuses on mechanical indicators of accident history and how they influence long-term reliability and driving performance.

Wheels and Suspension

Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, which can suggest issues with alignment or suspension. Stand at the front and rear of the car and visually check if the wheels sit straight.

During a test drive, listen for clunking sounds when going over bumps and notice if the car pulls to one side. These can be signs that the suspension or chassis has been compromised.

Bonnet and Boot Alignment

Open and close the bonnet and boot to see if they operate smoothly. If they feel tight, misaligned, or make unusual sounds, there could be underlying damage.

Check the rubber seals and inside edges for signs of repainting, warping, or repaired welds. Panels that don’t sit flush with adjacent parts can be red flags.

Verifying the Vehicle’s History

A used car’s past can tell you a lot about its present condition. Even when a vehicle looks and drives well, understanding its background is crucial. Accident history, insurance claims, previous ownership, and recorded maintenance all influence a vehicle's current value and future reliability. This section guides you on how to gather that information through official records and documentation, giving you added confidence before committing to a purchase.

PPSR and VIN Checks

In Australia, the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) allows buyers to check if a car has been written off, stolen, or has finance owing. All you need is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on the dashboard, under the bonnet, or in the logbook.

A PPSR check will also reveal whether the car was part of a repairable write-off, giving you crucial insight into its past. It's a small investment that can save you from making a costly mistake.

Logbook and Service Records

Review the vehicle’s service log to ensure regular maintenance has been carried out. Gaps in service history or vague descriptions of major repairs should raise questions.

Well-kept records provide peace of mind and often indicate a vehicle that’s been looked after. You may also see evidence of accident repairs if the servicing was done by a professional and documented thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Bring a Mechanic or Use a Pre-Purchase Inspection Service

Even if you know what to look for, a professional inspection is always recommended. Mechanics can lift the car to check underneath, test safety systems, inspect the chassis, and use diagnostic tools to reveal hidden faults.

Many services offer mobile inspections, sending a certified mechanic to the dealership or seller's location. This added step may come at a cost, but it’s well worth the investment for peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to ask for a written report, you’ll want something to reference during negotiation.

Buy with Confidence at Patrick Auto Group

At Patrick Auto Group, we make buying a used car worry-free. Every vehicle we sell undergoes a full mechanical and safety inspection, ensuring no hidden surprises and complete transparency.

Our team is friendly, experienced, and happy to answer questions about any vehicle’s history. Whether you're shopping for your first car or adding a second vehicle to your household, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish.

Visit our dealership in Port Macquarie to browse our extensive selection of quality used cars. Contact us to learn more about our stock and services!