Inspect the car.
When you’re happy all of the paperwork adds up, it’s time to look in detail at the car. This is usually the point at which most buyers begin to feel out of their depth, but take your time to look at the car carefully.
If it’s raining or the car is still wet from being washed, ask for it to be dried off or driven somewhere under cover. Water droplets can hide dents and dull paint. Try to avoid looking at a car to buy in the dark or poor light.
Make sure the gaps between body panels are even and consistent. Any irregular gaps suggest the car has been repaired after a collision, which should prompt you to look for any signs of a respray such as paint spray on bumpers, wheels and windows. Study the sides of the car for ripples that might further suggest crash damage repairs.