How to Avoid Purchasing a Flood-Damaged Vehicle
Buying a used vehicle is always risky. Even if it’s certified, inspected and under warranty there’s no telling how the previous owner (or owners) treated it. In addition to lackadaisical maintenance water damage is a major issue to be concerned with as well.
More than two-thirds of these vehicles are found in just 10 states, with Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Louisiana taking the top five places. Check out the accompanying infographic for more.
Hurricane Katrina that battered America’s Gulf Coast back in 2005 devastated more than 600,000 vehicles. Ivan, which hit the year before claimed some 100,000, while Superstorm Sandy ruined more than a quarter-million cars, trucks and utility vehicles on America’s east coast.
What can you do to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle? There are a few simple things to look out for that could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
According to the folks at Carfax, reach under the dashboard and flex some of the wires. Supposedly when waterlogged cables eventually dry out they become brittle and crack. Also, don’t be afraid to take the car to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection. An expert’s trained eye can head off countless problems. Additionally see if it passes the “sniff test.” Smell the vehicle’s interior and pay attention for foul or otherwise musty odors, which are dead giveaways that the car has been soaked inside.
Lastly you can always get a free flood-damage report by visiting flood.carfax.com.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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really? carfax? i think by now; every last low hanging fruit has been picked. search "carfax lawsuit settlement"