Vehicle walk-around and exterior check

As you walk around the vehicle inspect each body panel for dents, dings, obvious paint blemishes or rust spots, etc.

Also check for missing or damaged trim pieces and emblems.

Ask if the vehicle has been repainted, when it was done, and whether the color was changed. If the vehicle was repainted pay special attention for signs of a sub-par paint job such as over-spray on trim or within the wheel wells, excess "orange peel", places where the color looks faded or doesn't match, etc. Examples:

Fading paint where it was applied poorly

Over spray, the rubber windshield seal was painted over