How to Spot Accident Damage on a Used Car

There is a lot of conflicting advice out there, much of it written to sell you something. Here is a clear, practical walkthrough based on what actually matters in the real world.

Where to start

Start with the fundamentals before reaching for anything fancy. Most mistakes come from skipping the basics, not from a lack of expensive equipment. Get the foundation right and everything else becomes easier.

Common mistakes

Beware advice that ignores your specific car and conditions. What works perfectly for one setup can be wrong for another, so always sanity-check general guidance against your own situation.

Do it properly once and you never have to do it twice.

The bottom line

Get into the habit and it becomes second nature. Your car will be better for it, and so will your peace of mind.