Techniques Scammers Use to Hide the Used Car’s Past

Car dealers might say that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can certainly tell something about a car by looking at the dents, scratches and other blemishes on the body. Similarly, there is a lot to be learned about the history of an automobile just from examining its exterior.

Here are some things to look at:

Discoloration

Long-term parking in the sun can cause a car’s paint job to fade. A concave or inverted parking area can cause body parts to rust. This can lead to discoloration on the parts that face the sun or get wet.

Scratches, Chips & Dents

A car with scratches and dents tells the story of its previous owners. A new car has not yet seen any damage. If a new car shows obvious signs of damage, it will probably be older than the owner claims it to be.

Windows

Check the inside and outside of the used cars in reno windows for signs of over cleaning or attempts to hide scratches, chips or dents. This may suggest that the owner has something to hide about the age, mileage and history of the vehicle.

Dirty Filthy Car

If a car is covered in dirt or dust, it has probably not been well maintained by its past owners. Look at the engine, undercarriage and other areas where dirt will inevitably gather over time during regular use.

Body Seals

Check for signs of redness or discoloration on the front, rear and side passenger doors. If a car has a lot of scratches, dents and scratches, look for any visible signs of body seal leakage.

Inside the Car

Check the inside of the car for warning lights that might indicate mechanical problems and wear that should be cleaned before purchase. This is especially important with older cars. Check the air filter housing to see if it is worn or rusted in spots. The presence of dead bugs and leaves may suggest that the car has been poorly maintained.

Odor

Smell the car inside and out. A sweet, stale or musty odor could mean leaks in the heating/air conditioning system. You should also be alert for any unusual odors that might point to a problem with the engine or other parts of the vehicle.