Added on September 13, 2017  The News Wheel   , , , , , ,
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Experts Caution Consumers to Be Wary of Buying Flood-Damaged Vehicles

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With two major hurricanes, Harvey and Irma, hitting the United States in the last few weeks, many areas are experiencing extensive amounts of flood damage.

An estimated one million cars have been damaged by floodwaters in these two storms, with up to 400,000 of those vehicles in Florida alone. Now, experts are warning consumers to keep an eye out for flood-damaged cars going up for sale in the used car market.

But these flooded vehicles are not necessarily stuck in a salvage yard. According to ABC News, more than half of the flooded vehicles from these storms will be sold to new owners, despite their damaged conditions.

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“Flooded cars literally rot from the inside out,” CarFax spokesperson Christopher Basso. “There’s not only safety issues, but health issues as well.”

Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repurchased do not guarantee a refund if you discover damage after the fact; legal recourse depends on how the vehicle was purchased, whether that was through a dealership or a private sale.

Autotrader recently put together a few telltale signs of a flood-damaged vehicle:

  • Mold or rust, often under the floor mats
  • Musty or mildew smell inside the cabin
  • Mud or dirt in tight crevices (i.e. trunk or under the hood)
  • Rust on metal pieces, such as screws or door handles

To avoid purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle, experts also recommend having a mechanic or dealership give the car a once-over. Also, make sure you request a full report on the vehicle’s history, including previous accidents.

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Watch the full story from ABC World News here:

Source: ABC World News, Autotrader