Buying a used car can feel like a smart option, especially when you’re looking at models with a reputation for luxury and long-term performance. But one thing that can really affect the value and safety of an INFINITI used car is hidden collision damage. It might not always be obvious at first glance, but even a minor fender bender can leave behind clues. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid costly surprises later.
Whether you’re buying from a private seller or a dealership, getting a closer look at the details can make a big difference. You don’t need to be an expert mechanic either. With a basic understanding of things like paint inconsistencies, panel alignment, or signs under the car, you can start to spot potential issues right away. Let’s walk through some of the key signs to check for when looking at a pre-owned vehicle.
Signs Of Repainted Areas
Fresh paint might sound like a perk when buying a used vehicle, but in some cases, it’s a red flag. Paintwork often gets touched up after a collision. While that’s not always a problem, it can hint there was damage being covered up.
Start by checking for color differences from one panel to another. Walk around the car in good lighting and look closely at how the light reflects on each section. Uneven shine or slightly different shades can point to prior repairs. Don’t just check one side. Move around the entire car. Pay attention to spots like the doors, bumpers, and fenders.
One helpful tool that’s inexpensive and easy to carry is a paint thickness gauge. This device measures how deep the paint is, and if one panel is thicker than the others, it could mean body filler or extra paint was applied during a repair. Most original paint jobs have a consistent thickness across the vehicle. Big differences could mean there was work done under the surface.
Other signs that may help you spot repaint jobs include:
- Rough or gritty texture when you run your hand over the surface
- Overspray on trim pieces or window edges
- Paint that extends onto rubber seals or plastic molding
- Tape lines near edges that don’t match factory finishes
Also, be cautious if the seller says the car was “just detailed” but won’t give a straight answer about repairs. Polishing alone won’t hide most signs of a repaint. Trust your eyes. When in doubt, a trusted technician can examine the work more closely.
Misaligned Panels And Gaps
Take a good look at how the body panels line up against each other. Factory-built vehicles are made with precision, and you’ll usually see smooth, even gaps between doors, fenders, the trunk, and the hood. When a vehicle has been in a collision, even one that’s been fixed, those lines might not match up quite right anymore.
Use your fingers to feel along the edges where panels meet. That includes spots like:
- The areas around the headlights and taillights
- Where doors close against the frame
- Gaps between the trunk and rear fenders
- Top and bottom edges of the hood
If you notice one gap is wider than the other side or a panel sits higher or lower than the one next to it, that’s often a sign the car was hit and repaired. Even a slightly crooked panel can mean something underneath had to be bent or reshaped.
Symmetry is key here. The left side of the car should match the right. If everything seems a little bit off, it’s worth asking if there’s a history of repairs. An accident doesn’t always make a car a bad choice, but knowing this kind of detail helps you negotiate or decide if you want to keep looking.
Next time you’re checking out an INFINITI used car, bring a tape measure or a friend with a good eye for detail. Sometimes a second set of eyes helps catch small things you might miss on your own.
Inspecting The Undercarriage
Getting down and taking a peek underneath the car can reveal what’s hidden from normal view. The undercarriage holds clues, especially signs of rust or any unusual marks. Check areas like the wheel wells, underbody, and suspension components. These regions may catch wear and tear, but issues like fresh welding marks or bends could point to previous damage that wasn’t mentioned.
Rust is another concern, especially on older models. Surface rust isn’t always a deal-breaker. But if you spot flaking or deep rust, it might weaken the car’s structure over time. A flashlight can help you see even the less obvious spots. Consistent rust in one area can also suggest water exposure, possibly from a flood.
If mechanical knowledge isn’t your strength, bringing a friend or expert while you inspect can really help. It’s easier to make smart choices about whether you continue with the purchase when someone experienced is looking with you.
Inconsistent Headlight Or Taillight Gaps
Headlights and taillights are often replaced after minor accidents. This can leave behind signs that offer important details about the car’s history. Take a close look at how the lights fit against the body. If they’re uneven or sticking out in ways they shouldn’t, that’s something worth noticing.
OEM parts usually fit just right and flow with the design. Aftermarket light replacements may not match well. This can create irregular gaps between the lighting units and the surrounding body panels. From up close, aftermarket lights might even have a slightly different color tint or texture. That’s another tip-off that a light has been swapped and may point to more repairs under the surface.
If a small fender bender was enough to require new lights, other more serious repairs may have been done to hide the impact. That doesn’t always mean the car is a bad buy, but you should know as much as possible before making your decision.
Welding Marks And Frame Bends
Welding marks are another sign of past damage that gets covered up with repairs. Factory welding is smooth and even. If you see messy or patchy welds, they weren’t likely done by the manufacturer. These marks are usually added during repair work after a crash.
A car’s frame acts like its bones. It gives it shape and holds everything together. If the frame is bent or warped, it can affect driving in a big way. The car could have poor alignment, uneven tire wear, or handle strangely. Frame bends can also hurt the car’s ability to protect people during an accident.
To check for bends, take a close look under the car at the frame rails. You’re looking for anything that doesn’t sit straight or seems pushed out of line. If you find something questionable and the seller can’t explain it, think about whether the price or description matches the car’s real condition.
Paying attention to signs like these gives you more power when deciding on a car. It helps you avoid buying something you’ll regret later.
Make Your Next Used Car Purchase Confidently
Spotting collision damage may not always be quick or easy, but becoming more aware helps you find the right vehicle without feeling unsure. No used car is totally perfect, but having this kind of knowledge helps you spot red flags before they become buyer’s remorse.
Walking around the car carefully, checking for things like mismatched paint, uneven gaps, and strange welding marks will go a long way. When you’re not sure what to look for or need a more informed opinion, asking a trusted technician for help makes all the difference.
A clearer understanding of possible hidden damage can lead to smarter questions, fairer offers, and fewer surprises later on. Taking these steps makes your next INFINITI used car feel like the right choice from day one.
To make your search for the perfect ride easier and hassle-free, take a look at our current lineup of INFINITI used cars available at INFINITI City of Queens. Our team is ready to help you find the right fit for your needs and budget.
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