09:04 18-08-2025

Panel gaps explained: quality, safety and hidden accident signs

Panel gaps may seem like a minor detail, but they speak volumes about a car’s quality. Clean, uniform spacing ensures doors seal properly, water stays out, and first impressions remain positive. Uneven lines, on the other hand, can instantly suggest careless assembly or poor repair.

Automakers know this well. Lexus famously highlighted flawless panel alignment in its 1990s ads, while Bob Lutz pushed GM to tighten its standards by comparing its cars directly to rivals. And when Doug DeMuro’s viral video showed a tube of toothpaste fitting into a Maserati Ghibli’s door panel gap, it left a lasting impression that arguably hurt sales.

For used-car buyers, panel gaps are an invaluable clue. They often reveal accident damage that sellers may not disclose. Regulations vary wildly by region, and many cars with questionable repairs still make it to online listings. From my perspective, paying attention to panel fit is as essential as checking service history — it’s a fast way to separate well-kept vehicles from those hiding problems.

Even Tesla, often criticized for inconsistent fit, has worked to improve. Because in the long run, no brand can rely on novelty alone; quality and craftsmanship matter.