Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Water damage can be hard to detect, but there are some telltale signs. We’ve provided the following guidance to help you avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle.

• To reduce the chance of getting stuck with a flood-damaged vehicle, use a reputable dealer with a good sales history of standing behind their vehicles.
• Before you buy a vehicle be sure to test drive it. Drive the vehicle on different terrains at different times of day. If it’s a flood-damaged vehicle the electrical system may have been compromised.
• To make sure you are getting a good vehicle, one of the most important things you can do is have it inspected by a reliable, licensed mechanic. Don’t rely on promises made by the seller.
• Use your senses. With flood-damaged vehicles there are some telltale signs, such as the smell of mold or mildew, or debris (grass, mud or sand) left behind after the water receded. Check for moisture in headlights or under the carpets. Seat belts that sound gritty or are sticking could be a sign that there is sand or mud inside the latch.
• Inspect the fabric in the vehicle, from the carpet to the upholstery. Look for water stains or discoloration to the carpet or seats. Question if it’s an old vehicle but the carpet looks new, if the upholstery doesn’t match or lineup, or if only certain sections have been replaced.
• When metal is exposed to water for an extended period of time it rusts and corrodes. Look for signs of corrosion both inside and out. Inspect the vehicle for rust on screws, door hinges, springs, latches or brackets. Corrosion eats away at metals long after the car is dry.
• Check the oil. Changes in the color or viscosity may be a sign that water has gotten into the engine’s oil.
• That’s a good deal! Or is it? If priced below market value, there may be a reason. A discounted price is usually an indication that the dealer is trying to sell the car quickly. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Get a history report. Even if the seller has done an expert job of concealing water damage, the vehicle data report should be able to list any accidents or natural disasters that the vehicle was involved in, which will make the buyer’s job a little bit easier.
• AS-IS, means just that. You are buying the vehicle in its current condition, despite verbal representations made about the vehicle. The dealer has no responsibility for any repairs, you are responsible for all repairs.