A used Corolla Altis is a popular choice in Delhi’s used car market.
When buying a used car, a thorough exterior inspection is essential to verify the car’s condition and prevent costly repairs down the road. The vehicle's exterior condition reveals both its aesthetic appeal and its maintenance history, including any hidden accidental damage.
Find below the essential steps to inspect the exterior of a used Corolla Altis.
Top Factors to Consider During Exterior Inspection of a Used Corolla Altis
Find below how to conduct an exterior inspection of a used Corolla Altis:
Body Panel Alignment and Gaps
Start with examining the alignment of body panels and the consistency of panel gaps. Toyota is known for precise manufacturing with uniform gaps between panels.
Look for:
Even spacing between doors, hood, trunk, and fenders
Consistent gaps (typically 3-5mm on a Corolla Altis)
Flush alignment of panels (no panel should stick out more than others)
Inconsistent gaps often indicate previous accident damage and repairs. Pay special attention to the hood-to-fender and door-to-fender gaps, as these areas are commonly affected after collisions.
Paint Condition and Consistency
The paint should be uniform in color and texture across the entire vehicle. The Corolla Altis typically has a smooth finish with consistent color depth.
Examine for:
Color mismatches between panels (indicating repainting)
Orange peel texture (looks like the skin of an orange and suggests poor repainting)
Overspray on rubber seals or plastic trim (indicating body repairs)
Swirl marks and superficial scratches (normal for used cars but excessive amounts suggest poor care)
Use the reflection of light to spot inconsistencies. Walk around the car and observe how light reflects off the surface. Any waviness may indicate previous bodywork and inconsistency.
Rust and Corrosion
While the Corolla Altis has good corrosion resistance, always check for rust, especially in older models.
Critical areas to inspect:
Wheel wells and inside the fenders
Lower door edges and rocker panels
Around the windshield and rear window seals
Trunk floor (lift the carpet if possible)
Underside of the bumpers
Even small rust spots can expand rapidly, so consider any rust a significant concern that may require immediate attention.
Glass and Lights
Inspect all glass and lighting components carefully, as replacements can be expensive.
Check for:
Windshield cracks or chips (even small ones can spread)
Foggy or water-filled headlights (indicating seal failure)
Cracks in tail lights or turn signals
Proper operation of all exterior lights
Correct alignment of headlights (misalignment may indicate front-end damage)
Verify that all LED elements work properly for the used Corolla Altis models with LED headlights (common in higher trims).
Tires and Wheels
Check for tire and wheel conditions as they can indicate the car’s maintenance history.
Examine:
Tread depth (should be at least 4mm for good remaining life)
Even wear pattern across each tire (uneven wear suggests alignment issues)
Matching tires (ideally all four should be the same brand and model)
Sidewall damage or bulges (indicating impact damage)
Alloy wheel condition (look for curb rash or repairs)
The Corolla Altis typically uses 15-16 inch wheels depending on the trim level. If the car has aftermarket wheels, ensure they're of appropriate size and quality.
Undercarriage Inspection
If possible, examine underneath the vehicle. For the used Corolla Altis, pay particular attention to:
Suspension components (look for leaking shocks or struts)
Frame rails (should be straight with no signs of damage)
Exhaust system (check for rust or improper repairs)
Evidence of fluid leaks (oil, transmission fluid, coolant)
Many Corolla Altis models have plastic undercarriage covers—if these are damaged or missing, it could indicate previous off-road use or damage.
Weather Seals and Trim
Check all rubber seals around doors, windows, and trunk:
Look for deterioration, cracks, or hardening
Ensure door seals are intact (broken seals lead to water leaks and wind noise)
Verify that all trim pieces are secure and undamaged
Toyota's quality control generally ensures good longevity of these components, but extreme heat or age can cause deterioration.
Final Walk-Around Test
Walk slowly around the entire vehicle, observing how light reflects off each panel. This simple technique can reveal subtle dents, ripples, and previous repair work that might otherwise go unnoticed.
A comprehensive exterior inspection of a used Corolla Altis involves more than just looking for obvious damage. By systematically checking panel alignment, paint quality, glass, lights, tires, and undercarriage components, you'll gain valuable insights into the vehicle's history and condition.
Remember that while minor cosmetic issues might be acceptable (and negotiable on price), structural problems or evidence of poor repairs should be considered serious red flags. When in doubt, having a professional pre-purchase inspection can provide peace of mind before finalizing your purchase of a used Corolla Altis.
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