My uncle has owned a body shop for over 60 years. Same as his relatives. 

Best advice he gave me as a teen regarding purchasing a used car … “pay attention to the inside. Almost always if someone is taking care of the inside & keeping it clean they have stayed up on maintaining the car. It’s not perfect but it usually is.” 

He later told me that’s how he bought “totaled” cars at auction. 

Called to verify but he’s always working 🤣