Whether you are trying to buy an older model of your dream car at a discount or looking for value on a budget, we all know there are some risks involving purchasing a used car.  These are concerns that are often not discussed.

There may be signs of the entire car not being original (OEM) paint based upon inconsistencies in the condition of the paint.  This could be a sign of a repaint you were not made aware of.  Seeing rock chips and bug gut damage on the front and side quarter panels, with other areas relatively defect free.  One of the reasons why this may be more of a concern is with the rising costs (like most things) of repaint options, the likelihood of the owner choosing a poor quality (cheapest) repaint choices increases significantly.  Many of these cheap repaints will not last as long as the ones you will receive from a reputable shop among other issues.  The paint and clear coat may be significantly thinner, less stable, and less durable, which actually makes the paint more challenging to protect in the long run with paint protection film and/or ceramic coatings.

When you see sap damage or bird and bug damage, even on a reasonably new car, it can be a sign of something else.  It is a sign the car is seldom detailed, not washed frequently enough, and has not received adequate applications of long term protection.  This is going to affect the long term value of the car.

Paint thickness gauges can help you investigate the history of a car.  Although most people may be unable to budget for $2,000 to $3,000 for bumper or to measure all layers.  But a cheaper gauge ($600) should provide you with clues.  Repaints will tend to have significantly higher readings.  There may have been an accident involving the car you are interested in. Here is one paint gauge option, the Defelsko Positest and a little pricier gauge, the Elcometer 311.

With access to the car VIN number there are numerous resources online to help you access the vehicle history.

Being a resident of Florida, even in Gainesville, Florida, flooding from hurricane and tropical storm conditions have led to many permanently damaged vehicles.  These events are also a catalyst for unethical practices.  Vehicles being purchased unknowingly with flood damage can happen more than what many people think.

Living in Florida or any region affected by floods, I would be hyper aware of someone trying to sell me a vehicle that has been damaged by a flood.  This is especially the case when the car appears to not be stored in an adequate shelter from the environment.  Look for visible signs of damage INSIDE the car or moisture in the navigation screens.  Be wary of someone appearing to be uncomfortable with you inspecting the inside of a car, especially in a flood zone.  Deciding to purchase from a dealership should not automatically be a cause for letting your guard down.

Ask questions about the history and condition of a car.  When you investigate the story of a car, inconsistencies with what you are told are a red flag.  Whether the person is intentionally being dishonest, misleading, leaving out critical information, or uninformed, it is a concern.  I would ask myself under these circumstances WHAT ELSE is the owner of the car not telling me.