When Buying a Used Car, Beware of Cars Damaged by Hurricanes or Other Storms

How To Tell If a Car Has Been In a Flood
If you're in the market for a used car this year, beware flood-damaged cars that have been declared a total loss by insurance companies following flooding caused by Hurricanes or other storms.
Experts estimate that as many as half a million cars submerged in the toxic waters around New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina alone were "totaled" by insurance companies and then sold at auction. Add to this number the cars damaged in the more recent flooding all over the country, and you have a lot of cars that have been cleaned up by salvage operators and dealers and resold to hide the fact that the cars have been damaged in a flood. Many of these cars are shipped far from the original flooded area, so don't assume a car you're looking at couldn't be a flooded car just because you don't live near a recently flooded area.

Be especially cautious if the sales price seems like a real bargain.
Potential problems with flooded cars include:


Electrical system failure
Transmission failure
Anti-lock brake system failure
Airbag failure
Mold and musty smell
Rust
To avoid being a victim, follow this advice:


Have the car thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic.

Run a search on Carfax.com to obtain a history of the car you're considering purchasing. Some car sellers will pay for a Carfax report, but if not, you can do it yourself. All you need is the vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard. The cost is $19.99 for one car or $24.99 for unlimited reports.

Inspect the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for sand, mud, rust, or other signs of water damage. Look for water marks around the engine, on the floor, and behind the dashboard.

Check the upholstery and carpeting closely, looking for discoloration, fading, or staining that could indicate water damage. Be suspicious of carpeting or upholstery that doesn't match the interior or doesn't fit properly, indicating that it may have been replaced.

Thoroughly test all warning lights, gauges, interior and exterior lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, radio, heating and air conditioning to make sure all are operational.

Sniff around the interior of the car to check for damp or musty odors caused by mildew.
Taking these precautions before buying a used car could save you many headaches and a lot of money.