Buyer beware: Top signs your used car may have been repainted

The used-car market can be a tricky place for unsuspecting buyers. One of the most common issues consumers face is the discovery that a vehicle has been repainted— a tell-tale sign that the car may have been involved in an accident.

Whether the damage was from a minor scrape or a more serious collision, repainted panels are often the first clue that something is amiss.

This issue can be present even on cars displayed by reputable dealers. Surprisingly, even a nearly new, low-mileage vehicle from a premium German automaker could have repainted panels. It may have been done by the manufacturer themselves, but it’s still a sign that the car may have undergone repairs.

Here, expert exotic car collector Ed Bolian breaks down the biggest signs that a used car might have gotten a fresh coat of paint after leaving the factory.

Mismatched Panels

One of the most obvious signs of a repaint is mismatched panels. Even when a body shop uses the exact same paint code as the original manufacturer, the new paint can still appear slightly different in hue.

The way paint is applied can influence this difference. In factories, the paint is often applied horizontally, from left to right, while aftermarket painters may apply it vertically, top to bottom. Over time, factors like sun exposure, road damage, and general aging also impact the paint’s appearance.

If you notice a smooth, shiny panel next to one that looks faded or worn, it is a strong indicator that the shinier panel may have been repainted.

Panel Alignment

Another red flag is poor panel alignment. When a vehicle undergoes disassembly for repainting, it’s common for the panels to no longer fit together as seamlessly as they did originally. Checking the bolts that hold the panels can help; signs of wear, like scratches or uneven edges, may indicate that the panels were removed and reattached for painting.

In some cases, fixtures such as windows or lights may also malfunction because they were not properly reassembled.

Orange Peel

Orange peel refers to a rough texture that looks similar to the skin of an orange. It’s not always a sign of a repaint, but when it’s present, it suggests poor-quality painting techniques.

According to Sherwin Williams, this texture can result from premature evaporation of thinner, an incorrect spray gun setup, or applying too much paint. While some vehicles may have this texture even from the factory, it is a common issue found on used cars. Fortunately, a skilled body shop can fix orange peel, but it’s important to note when inspecting a car.

Fish Eyes and Paint Trash

Fish eyes are another indication of poor-quality paint. These small bubbles, dots, or circles in the paint surface form when a drop of paint falls and dries, creating uneven areas. Paint trash (dirt, dust, or hair sealed under the paint) occurs when the car isn’t thoroughly cleaned before painting.

This points to a lack of proper preparation and can result in visible imperfections that persist even after a wash. In both cases, these issues are difficult to fix without removing and reapplying the paint.

Overspray

When a car is painted outside of the factory, painters often fail to remove trim pieces before applying paint. Instead, they use tape and plastic to cover parts of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, this method doesn’t always work perfectly, and overspray can end up on parts that shouldn’t be painted, such as plastic wheel arch trim or weather stripping. Overspray marks are a clear sign that the car has undergone aftermarket painting.

Jagged Edges

Jagged edges around the doors, bonnet, or boot are another telltale sign that a car has been repainted. At the factory, these areas are polished and buffed before all interior and exterior trims are installed, leaving no imperfections. However, when painting is done after the fact, there isn’t enough room to properly smooth the edges, leaving jagged or uneven finishes.

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