Flood-Damaged Cars – Buyer Beware!

Did the used car you’re considering come from an area with a flood?  Are you buying a flood-damaged car without knowing it?

With all the flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms that occur annually in various parts of the southern US, potential buyers of used cars in these areas and even further afield, need to be extra vigilant of flood-damaged vehicles that may slip onto the market -illegally.

Flood damage = total loss

Flood damage usually results in cars being declared a total loss by insurance companies. The only place for a flood-damaged car is at the junkyard, but unfortunately many end up for sale online and on car lots. So as always when searching fora pre-owned vehicle–it’s buyer beware.

Water damage

Some of these cars could have serious water damage, ranging anywhere from mildew to rusted wiring and faulty airbags. Thousands of these vehicles will end up for sale somewhere, as so many people have collision only insurance or even no insurance, and will therefore try and fob the damaged vehicle off onto an unsuspecting buyer. Some unscrupulous dealers will also sometimes try to unload flood-damaged cars. So here are some precautions you can take before buying a car to make sure it is not flood-damaged.

Check the Title

Always ask to see the title of a used car, checking the date and place of transfer just in case it’s come from a flood-damaged area and you can also see if it’s stamped as ‘salvage.’

Test Equipment

Test all the equipment –lights, wipers, turn signals, heater and air conditioning, and turn on the sound system to see if everything’s working as it should.

Flex some wires

Flex some wires under the dash to see if they’ll bend or crack, as wires that are wet will become brittle when they dry and are likely to crack any time.

Become a detective –root around!

Have a good look in the trunk’s interior, check the dashboard, glove department, lift up mats and check beneath the seats to see if there are any obvious signs of mud, rust, or water damage.

Signs of Water Damage

Stained, discolored, or faded upholstery and carpeting can be a sign of water damage. Check if the carpet has been replaced and doesn’t fit properly or match the rest of the interior.

Mildew smells

Check for the musty odor of mildew inside the car. This should be easy to detect!

Check with the Better Business Bureau

If you’re at a dealership, check the BBB Business Profile to see if there are any previous complaints about them. Be sure to get a vehicle history report based on the car’s VIN number and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by an experienced, independent mechanic.

Ask nicely!

And then, of course, you can just ask the seller straight up –whether a dealer or a private seller –if the car is a flood-damaged vehicle. They’re likely to deny it of course, but watch for a reaction and use your common sense and instincts. It could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.