Vehicle guide
How to check panel gaps and paintwork
Look for signs of repainting or repairs without assuming that every colour or finish difference is adverse.
Inspect repair clues without jumping to conclusions
9-second silent explainer · press play
Read the three steps
- 01 · CompareCompare both sides
Use daylight to spot uneven gaps, finish or alignment.
- 02 · Look closerLook beyond the panels
Check seals, trims, fasteners and door shuts for repair clues.
- 03 · EvidenceAsk for repair evidence
Appearance prompts questions; it does not diagnose structural damage.
Differences in finish or alignment can justify further questions, but appearance alone does not establish why work was done or whether a repair is structural. Record what you see and seek qualified assessment where necessary.
Inspect in daylight
- 1
View each panel from several angles and compare colour, gloss and texture.
- 2
Look for overspray on rubber seals, window trims, badges, wheel-arch liners and inside door shuts.
- 3
Check for masking lines, paint edges and different levels of orange-peel texture.
Compare the gaps
- 1
Compare the gaps around both sides of the bonnet, tailgate, doors, wings and lights.
- 2
Look for uneven alignment, proud panels, disturbed fasteners or damaged seam sealer.
- 3
Do not diagnose structural damage from appearance alone—ask a qualified inspector or bodyshop to assess anything concerning.
Ask for evidence
Request invoices, photographs or a bodyshop description of any repainting or repair. A properly recorded colour change is not inherently adverse, but the quality and reason for the work still matter to a buyer.
Your practical checklist
Tick each item as you work through the vehicle, documents and evidence. An unticked item stays open—it does not become a clear result.
Useful sources and next steps
Questions buyers ask
Do uneven panel gaps prove accident damage?
No. They are a reason to inspect further, not a diagnosis. Compare both sides and ask a qualified inspector or bodyshop to assess anything concerning.
Where should I look for overspray?
Check rubber seals, window trims, badges, wheel-arch liners, door shuts and under the bonnet, viewing the vehicle in good daylight from several angles.
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