For a complete overview, read our guide on getting a full vehicle check before buying so nothing gets missed.
We’ll show you how to check a used car for signs of trouble
It’s easier than you might think, and you don’t have to be a mechanic to spot the basics. If you’re in Molendinar or nearby areas like Southport, Ashmore, or Arundel, you can always pop into Coastwide Service Centre for a proper inspection too.
We see these things every day and know what to look for
Start with the paintwork
One of the easiest ways to start learning how to check a used car for hidden damage is by looking at the paint. Walk around the car and look at it from different angles. Does the paint match all over? Sometimes repairs are done quickly and the paint colour is slightly off.
Run your hand gently along the panels. If you feel rough patches, bumps, or uneven surfaces, it could be from a past repair. Paint overspray (where paint ends up on places it shouldn’t, like rubber seals) is also a giveaway.
Check the panel gaps
Knowing how to check a used car for hidden damage also means paying attention to the gaps between panels, like between the bonnet and the fender, or between the doors and the body. If the gaps are uneven or one side looks wider than the other, it might have been in a crash and not repaired properly.
At Coastwide Service Centre in Molendinar, we see a lot of cars where the body looks fine until you measure the panel gaps or check how the doors close. If they don’t shut smoothly or seem misaligned, that’s a red flag.
Open and close everything
Still wondering how to check a used car? Open and close all the doors, boot, and bonnet. If any of them feel stiff, loose, or don’t sit flush when shut, there could be hidden frame damage.
We always recommend doing this when you’re inspecting cars around Molendinar or Parkwood. It’s a simple step that many people forget but tells you a lot about the car’s condition.
Look under the bonnet
Even if you’re not a mechanic, you can still learn how to check a used car under the bonnet for signs of past damage. Look at the bolts that hold the fenders in place. If they have scratches or tool marks, the panels might have been replaced.
Also check for any crumpling or ripples in the metal, especially around the engine bay edges. These can be signs of a front-end collision that wasn’t properly repaired.
Inspect underneath the car
To really know how to check a used car for hidden damage, get low and have a look under the car. Check for any rust, dents, or repairs on the frame or floor. Welds that look rough or messy are a sign that the car has been patched up.
At Coastwide Service Centre, we have proper hoists that make it easier to check underneath. If you’re not comfortable getting under the car yourself, bring it to us in Molendinar. We can inspect it properly and let you know if there’s anything dodgy going on.
Check the windscreen and windows
Don’t skip the glass when figuring out how to check a used car. Cracks, chips, or mismatched window glass can be a sign of previous damage. Sometimes, replacing glass incorrectly can lead to leaks or wind noise later on.
Take it for a test drive
When it comes to how to check a used car for hidden damage, the test drive is one of the most important steps. Listen for strange noises when driving, especially when turning, braking, or going over bumps.
Does the car pull to one side? That could be poor repairs or frame issues. Does it vibrate when you speed up? That might mean wheel alignment or suspension problems.
If you’re around Molendinar, Ashmore, or Southport, you can also ask us at Coastwide Service Centre to come with you or check it after your test drive.
Check the tyres
Another part of learning how to check a used car is by looking at the tyres. Uneven tyre wear can be a sign that the car isn’t aligned properly, which might be due to past damage. Make sure all four tyres match in brand and condition – mismatched tyres can sometimes hint that only one side was damaged and replaced.
Use the VIN number
If you want to be thorough with how to check a used car, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and do a history check. This can tell you if the car has been written off, stolen, or had other major issues.
Trust your gut
Sometimes when you’re checking a car, things just don’t feel right. Maybe the seller avoids answering certain questions or rushes you through the process. Learning how to check a used car is also about trusting your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
What to check for rust, leaks, and worn parts
Once you’ve looked at the body and structure, it’s time to go deeper. Rust, leaks, and worn mechanical parts are just as important as accident damage – and just as easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
Check the body for rust
Rust doesn’t just look bad — it can spread and weaken the structure of the car over time. Check around the wheel arches, door sills, boot floor, and underneath the car. Surface rust on minor areas might be fine, but deep rust on structural parts is a serious problem.
Look for leaks under the car
After a test drive, check the ground where the car was parked. Oil, coolant, or brake fluid spots on the ground are a warning sign. Under the bonnet, look for wet or greasy patches around hoses, the engine, and the gearbox.
Tyres and brakes
Worn tyres or uneven brake wear can mean the car hasn’t been maintained properly – or that there’s an underlying alignment or suspension issue. Check tread depth and look at whether the wear is even across each tyre.
Check inside the car
Worn seats, sticky switches, and unusual smells (especially damp or mould) can all hint at how well the car has been looked after. A musty smell could mean water has been getting in somewhere.
Belts, hoses, and fluid levels
Under the bonnet, look at the condition of the belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed, or swollen rubber is a sign they’re due for replacement. Check the coolant, oil, and brake fluid levels while you’re there – low or dirty fluid can point to neglect or a leak.
Suspension and steering
Push down on each corner of the car. It should bounce back once and settle. If it keeps bouncing, the shock absorbers are worn. During the test drive, pay attention to how the car handles bumps and corners – excessive movement or clunking points to worn suspension.
Knowing how to check a used car for hidden damage, rust, leaks, and worn parts isn’t hard once you know what to look for. Start with the paint, panel gaps, and glass. Check under the bonnet and underneath the car. Don’t skip the test drive and always look at the tyres.
If you want expert help, visit us at Coastwide Service Centre in Molendinar. We help buyers from all around Molendinar, Parkwood, Arundel, and Ashmore. We know how to check a used car inside and out, and we’ll make sure you’re not buying someone else’s problem.
Not confident doing it yourself? Book a pre-purchase car inspection with Coastwide Service Centre, our mobile mechanic comes to you, checks the car thoroughly, and gives you a full report before you commit.
You can also book a professional used car inspection and get a full written report before you commit.