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An automobile can suffer flood damage in a variety of different ways. Following hurricane Katrina salvaged cars from flooded areas were sold to many unsuspecting used car buyers. It doesn’t require a national catastrophe to cause flood damage–some autos may be flooded during an instant at a boat dock, or when a driver attempts to drive through flooded streets.
A used car customer may think they are buying a nice used car, but may later find there was hidden water damage. Cars that have suffered flooding damage are most often unreliable. With hidden electrical damage and water associated problems.
Used car buyers need to be extra cautious especially if the purchase is private. Most used vehicles are sold “As Is” which leaves the buyer with little recourse if later a flooding issue should be discovered. When considering the purchase of a used car, especially in an area of the country where there have been any major floods since the car was manufactured follow these tips to help avoid unknowingly purchasing a flooded vehicle.
- Carefully inspect the used vehicle. Look for these indicators of Flood Damage:
- A well-defined line or watermark on the inside and outside of the car.
- Check the car where it’s difficult-to-clean, such as the gaps between panels in the truck or Sport Utility Vehicle and under the hood. Look for any water-borne material and debris that may still be stuck to the car.
- Be suspicious of cars with new or mismatched upholstery; replace flooring, ceiling or door panels.
Be careful where you shop for your used car and remember these important facts:
- Auto auctions may have great deals and lots of cars to choose from, however the inexperienced used car buyer lacks the skill and speed needed to make informed choices. It’s best to avoid purchasing cars through auctions because damaged cars including flooded vehicles may be cleaned up and sold at these events.
- Avoid doing business with someone running a side business selling cars. If you are going to purchase from a private party it’s best to buy only from someone who has actually owned and driven they car they are selling for a long period of time.
- When purchasing a used car it’s best to buy from a reputable used car dealer, with the license, bonding and insurance required in your state for used car dealers.
Once you have found a used car you might be interested in buying it’s important to do the things so many people try to side-step:
- Review the vehicle title and registration closely. Some states will require an auto title to indicate such information as “Totaled” or “Salvage” in some cases a car involved in a flood may have “flood damaged” marked on the title.
- Always have a trusted mechanic inspect any used car you are interested in buying. There is nothing better than a trained professional who knows what to look for especially when it comes to flood damaged autos.
- Consider paying for an online vehicle history report service. These generally offer unlimited vehicle history reports for $25.00.
- Talk with your insurance agent in some cases an agent can check for any possible claims history by checking the vehicle identification number.
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