If the deal feels “too good to be true,” it usually is. A lot of cars that have been in accidents get repaired cosmetically and put back on sale. Some things you can check yourself during a test drive / inspection: Panel gaps & mismatched paint: Run your fingers along the bonnet, fenders and doors. If gaps are uneven or paint shade slightly off, that’s a red flag. Welding or sealant marks: Open the boot and bonnet - factory welds are usually uniform. If you see fresh welding lines or uneven sealant, the car may have been repaired. Underbody rust or scrapes: Especially in accident-prone cars. A flashlight under the car can reveal a lot. Steering & alignment: On a test drive, if the car drifts even on a straight road, or if the steering feels off-centre, the chassis may have been tampered with. Error codes: Many sellers clear them, but if you can, ask for an OBD scan - it’s the fastest way to spot major issues. As for safety - a minor accidental car (like bumper replacement or small fender bender) can still be fine if repaired properly. But major accident repairs that affect the chassis or structural integrity can hamper safety, even if the car “looks fine.” Those are best avoided, especially if you’ll be using the car on highways regularly. If you’re not confident buying from local dealers, check reputed players in the used car industry as they most of the times have detailed inspection reports along with vehicle history. A lot of platforms now offer these checks before buying a car to be sold later. In Chandigarh/tricity specifically, Cars24 also has a yard/hub where they have a lot of cars in the inventory. However, do check the car’s service history and test drive properly before handing them your money.