I've had my 03 (bought used) for a little over a week now, and just recently had time to go through it in detail. I noticed the space between the rear quarter and trunk sides are not uniform. The passenger side has a larger gap, and then the gap tapers off as it goes towards the back window. Is this common? Or should I suspect something worse? I did buy the car used. ...but everything else is clean... underchassis, suspension, etc. no sign of damage to the body whatsoever. Also had some people use a "paint meter" on the cars paint, and they said the car's paint was all original. Any thoughts?

 

I'm surprised you didn't "go through it in detail" before you bought it. I hope there's no frame damage.

 

All my seams are relatively even... it may be that your trunk is slightly skewed to one side perhaps due to some lateral force placed upon it while it was open (say, someone leaning on it?).

Just a thought...

 

everything is so perfect fit on my car.(better than mercedes quality fit) I was surprised at the quality of this car when I bought it . I was expecting worse from Mitsu.
May be the previous owner had carbon fiber trunk. Then, put it back original when he sold? you should try align urself

 

I bought my car used as well and there was nothing that looked like it was uneven on mine. I am very particular too, i had them repaint my entire car because of a couple stone chips...

 

accident?