Better Business Bureau It warned that flood problems could lead to attempts to pawn flood-damaged vehicles as standard used cars. will be
Unsuspecting consumers, especially those living in areas not affected by hurricanes or floods, are often fooled by new upholstery, new carpets and bargain prices.
Intermediate buyers may deliberately hide a vehicle's history as a water-damaged vehicle through a process called "title washing" and sell it unaffected by the disaster to unsuspecting buyers.
Among the many mechanical problems a flooded car can face, corrosion can take years to finally surface and can lead to electrical and mechanical problems.
By the time the problem becomes apparent, the seller has left, leaving the new owner with an unreliable vehicle and no reimbursement for the seller.
BBB offers the following tips for car shoppers to determine if their used car is flooded.
Look at the title and ask. Check the transfer date and location to see where the car came from. If you see "Salvage" stamped in the title, or if it came from a recent flood-damaged state, ask. Consider purchasing a vehicle history report for your vehicle. This includes information on whether the car has ever been tagged as "salvage" or "flood damage" in any state.
Check your dashboard carefully. Check all gauges to make sure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for signs that the dashboard may have been deleted.
Check electronic components. Test your lights, wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater, and air conditioner a few times to make sure they work. Also, bend some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack, as wet wires become brittle when dry.
Check indoor space. Check and dash under the trunk, glove compartment, and seats for signs of mud, rust, and water damage. Check for open drain holes in the bottom of the vehicle.
Please check the condition of the fabric. Look for discolored, faded, or moldy upholstery and carpets. Recently shampooed carpet may be a cause for concern. Sometimes the new carpet is too loose or doesn't match the color of the interior.
Get vehicle history reports from a database service.of National Insurance Crime Bureau Free databases contain flood damage and other information. But be careful. A NICB report is only useful if your car is insured.
Check under the hood. Look for accumulated water, mud, or gravel around the spare tire wheel well or engine compartment under the hood.
Do an odor test. Strong scents from detergents and sanitizers indicate a possible mold or odor problem.
Investigate the dealer. Always check the dealer's BBB business profile on BBB.org.
Get tested. Before buying a used car, consider having it pre-purchase inspected by a reputable mechanic.
For buying a used car, visit bbb.org/article/tips/14088-bbb-tip-buying-a-used-car.
