How to identify problematic used cars in just 30 seconds
Buying a used car can feel like a gamble, especially when sellers are eager to close the deal quickly. But what if you could spot the warning signs of a problem car in just half a minute? According to one expert, a few simple visual checks can save you from making an expensive mistake.
Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, knows exactly what to look for when examining a used vehicle. With access to millions of replacement parts and deep knowledge of what commonly fails in cars, he’s developed a systematic approach that anyone can use.
Most buyers focus on the obvious things like mileage and service history, but there are visual clues that tell you much more about a car’s real condition. These quick checks can act as your first line of defence before you invest in a professional inspection.
The five quick visual checks that reveal hidden problems
To help you avoid buying a car with hidden damage, Urbonas shares his 30-second inspection method with five visual checks.
1. Check Panel Gaps and Alignment
Stand back and look at the car’s overall shape. Pay close attention to the gaps between the doors, bonnet, and boot. If the gaps are uneven or wider on one side, it’s a clear sign of accident damage. Professional bodywork is expensive, but rushed repairs are easy to spot.
Run your hand along the panels. They should feel smooth and consistent. Any ripples, dents, or rough patches suggest filler has been used to hide crash damage.
2. Examine the Pedals and Steering Wheel
The wear on pedals and steering wheel should match the mileage shown on the clock. A car with 30,000 miles shouldn’t have worn-through pedal rubbers or a shiny steering wheel. This is one of the easiest ways to spot a clocked car.
Also, look for excessive wear on the driver’s seat bolster and gear knob. These items wear naturally over time and are expensive to replace, so sellers rarely bother.
3. Study the Tyre Wear Patterns
Tyres tell you a story about how the car has been driven and maintained. Check for even wear across all four tyres. Uneven wear patterns often indicate suspension problems, poor wheel alignment, or that the car has been driven hard.
Look for unusual wear on the edges or centre of the tyre tread. This can signal anything from incorrect tyre pressures to expensive suspension component failures.
4. Inspect the Engine Bay
Pop the bonnet and look for signs of neglect or damage. Fresh oil leaks, corrosion around the battery, or unusual cleanliness in one area can all be red flags. A suspiciously clean engine bay might be hiding recent repairs.
Check fluid levels and colours. Dark, dirty oil or green coolant residue indicates poor maintenance that could lead to expensive engine problems in the future.
5. Trust Your Nose Inside the Cabin
Get inside and take a deep breath. A musty, damp smell is often the first sign of flood damage. Water damage can cause electrical problems that cost thousands to fix. Even if everything seems to work now, issues can appear months later.
Check for water stains on the upholstery or unusual dampness in the carpets, especially in the footwells and boot area.
These checks could save you thousands
These visual checks take less than a minute but can save you thousands. In my role overseeing quality across thousands of auto parts suppliers, I see the most common failure points that affect used cars. Small visual clues often point to much bigger problems hiding underneath.
A car that’s been in an accident might drive fine on the test drive, but the structural damage could affect safety and resale value. Similarly, a vehicle with clocked mileage might seem like a bargain, but you’re likely buying someone else’s high-mileage problems. These quick checks give you the confidence to walk away from a bad deal.
Remember, these checks are your first line of defence, not a replacement for a proper mechanical inspection. If a car passes your visual check and you’re serious about buying, always get a qualified mechanic to look it over. But by doing these simple checks first, you’ll avoid wasting time and money on cars that were never worth considering.
Ovoko is one of Europe’s largest online marketplaces for used car parts, connecting over 4,000 auto dismantlers, recyclers, and sellers with car dealers, mechanics, and enthusiasts. With more than 23 million parts available, Ovoko offers fast delivery across Europe, a 14-day money-back guarantee, and tools that help scrapyards go digital.
