Opinion on what's going on here

[TheJimi]

Potentially looking at buying this car, and the seller has highlighted what looks like lacquer bubbling.

Is that what it is?

Appreciate it may be difficult to tell from the photo.

[droopsnoot]

It is hard to tell from the photo, but it looks to me like "shrinkage" around the edge of a previous repair. Could be just lacquer trouble, of course. Can you get behind the panel somehow, to see if anything is mis-shapen?

[Mikebentley]

Looking at that gap it’s likely been sprayed. Is there moisture trapped below?

[TheJimi]

No idea, I haven't viewed the car yet.

That close-up does make the gap look worse than it actually is.

[jeff666]

The repair has pinched up,

Possibly down to primer not fully cured and solvent basecoat has eaten in to the edge.

[V8covin]

Just budget for a visit to the bodyshop to rectify it

[steveo3002]

look at the bumper gap and fitment , its had a bodged repair

are you will to accept it or pay out for a better repair to make it right?

[paintman]

What explanation has the seller given & in view of the gaps what have they said about it being a result of accident damage?

[TheJimi]

Seller has assured me that he's had the bumper off and that there's no damage behind it. I believe him, as he has an exceptionally good reputation, and other people have separately vouched for the car.

He wasn't involved in whatever paintwork that has been done, so can't comment on that aspect.

[PhilF329]

It’s definitely had a repair and it doesn’t look as though the bumper has been refitted correctly.

Unless the price reflects having to sort that out I would pass on it.

[Summit_Detailing]

MR2 roadster?!...

If the rest of the car checks out and you are happy with it just get some £'s knocked off to go towards getting that side painted. Alternatively there are lots of others out there which may/maynot be in better cosmetic shape.