How to Spot a Repainted Car (Without a Paint Thickness Gauge)
A paint thickness gauge gives the exact answer, but you can make a first assessment with the naked eye too. 9 signs that reveal a repair.
A repainted car is not necessarily a problem in itself — the question is whether the work was done well and whether there is bigger damage behind it.
The first place to look: panel edges and transitions. If the paint along a cut edge is a slightly different shade, you are looking at a repair or a respray.
Drips or lines along the inner edge of the tailgate or bonnet: a typical trace of overspray.
Seals and rubber parts: if paint has got onto them, it was a cheap repair.
The glass: if the edge of the glass sits in paint, or the glass is new, the car has had a repair.
The rear lights: if one light is newer than the others, a rear-end impact has been repaired.
Rust in the usual spots: typically under the rubber seals and around the rear wheel arch.
Inspecting in direct sunlight always beats a cloudy day: differences show up far more clearly.
Finally: better to use a gauge after all. Standard paint thickness is 100–180 microns. Over 250 microns = a repair.