Body exterior inspection is a particular vehicle inspection type that focuses on the car’s exterior, including the paint, bodywork, and trim. Buyers of used cars typically use these services to help them evaluate the vehicle’s condition and identify any possible problems.
Why Opt for Body Exterior Inspection?
Identify potential problems.
As obvious, a body exterior inspection can help you identify any potential problems with the vehicle’s exterior, such as rust, dents, or scratches. Recognising these issues helps you avoid buying a vehicle requiring expensive repairs sooner.
Negotiate a better price.
If you find any issues during the inspection, you can take help from this information to bargain a good price for the vehicle. The seller may be more willing to lower the price if they know that you are aware of the problems.
Get peace of mind.
Knowing that the vehicle’s exterior is in good condition can give you peace of mind. This is especially vital if you are purchasing a used car, as you may miss some of the problems with the exterior until after you have bought the car.
What Is Included In Body Exterior Inspection?
Inspecting a vehicle’s exterior is a process that requires you to consider several important aspects. But what are those aspects? Is there any checklist for all those facts? Well, yes. I have asked National Vehicle Inspections about the things included in a body exterior inspection. And here is how they explained in simple terms.
Body Panels and Paint
During the inspection, we’ll carefully check the body panels for any dents, scratches, or signs of repainting. We’ll also estimate the alignment of the panels and look for any gaps or inconsistencies. Additionally, we’ll keep an eye out for rust or corrosion on the body.
Glass and Windshield
We’ll thoroughly examine the windshield for chips, cracks, or any other impairment. All the windows will be checked for scratches or abnormalities. We will also ensure that the windows operate smoothly without any issues.
Lights and Signals
To ensure your safety on the road, we’ll test all the exterior lights, including the headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. We’ll make sure that all the lights are functioning correctly. Additionally, we’ll check the state of the lenses for any signs of water damage or cracks.
Tires and Wheels
We’ll inspect the tires to assess their tread depth and look for any uneven wear patterns. It’s crucial to check for any cuts, bulges, or impairment on the sidewalls. We’ll also confirm that all the tires fitted on the vehicle match regarding size and brand.
Exterior Accessories
During the inspection, we’ll assess the current state of various exterior additions, such as door handles, side mirrors, and other components. We’ll ensure all the accessories are properly connected and functioning correctly. We’ll also watch for any indications of wear or damage on antennae and wipers.
Undercarriage and Suspension
The undercarriage inspection involves checking for any symptoms of leaks, such as fluid or oil blots. We’ll also assess the suspension components, including springs, struts, and shocks. Additionally, we’ll see through any visible rust or damage on the suspension parts and undercarriage.
Miscellaneous Exterior Components
We’ll evaluate the state of the external trim, including badges and mouldings. The grille, bumper, and other exterior body parts will be checked for any symptoms of wear or damage. We’ll also ensure that all hoods, trunks, and doors open and shut properly.
What Are Different Vehicle Conditions for Cars?
Once you get the exterior of your car inspected, you get a detailed report. The report includes everything the inspector found on your car’s exterior. Most importantly, they put a “condition tag” on the report. You may have one from the following condition tags.
Excellent
This indicates that the car is in exceptional mechanical condition and appears new. It has never had any bodywork or paint touch-ups. Reconditioning is unnecessary, and the engine compartment is clean and leak-free.
The car is rust-free, both inside and out. The body and interior show no signs of wear or visible defects. All wheels are flawless, and the tires match and have a like-new tread. It has a clean title history and comes with whole service records.
Very good
Cars in very good condition have minor cosmetic defects but are still in excellent mechanical shape. They may have undergone little bodywork or paint touch-ups. While minimal reconditioning may be required, the engine compartment is clean and leak-free.
The absence of rust is ensured, and the body and interior exhibit minimal signs of wear or defects. The wheels are excellent, and the tires reach 75% or more of the tread remaining.
Good
Vehicles in good condition possess repairable cosmetic defects but are free from major mechanical problems. Some servicing may be needed, and minor paint touch-ups or bodywork might be required.
There may be minor leaks in the engine compartment, and any rust present is minimal. The body may have slight dents or scratches, while the interior shows minor imperfections from daily wear. The car’s wheels may have slight scrapes or scratches that can be repaired.
All tires reach and have a minimum of 50% tread remaining. Despite needing some reconditioning, it has a neat title record, will pass emissions and safety inspections, and has some service records available.
Fair
Cars in fair condition have cosmetic defects that require repair or replacement. They need some mechanical repairs, and the paint and bodywork may need refinishing and repairs. Leaks in the engine compartment are present and require attention.
Some repairable rust damage may be evident. The body exhibits dents, chips, and scratches. The interior shows significant wear and may have slight tears. The wheels may be warped, bent, or heavily scratched, requiring replacement, while the tires may mismatch and need replacing.