Used Car Corner: How to Spot Flood-Damaged Cars

The folks at CarMax recently released a checklist to help potential buyers identify flood damaged cars. Either private parties or car dealers could try to sell you one of these vehicles, which may appear to be in good condition, without disclosing the vehicle's history.  According to CarMax's Jason Day, "Flood-damaged cars that are not...structurally sound could be repaired, re-titled and sold to unsuspecting buyers." 

In addition to checking out our article on flood cars, this handy checklist should be required reading if you want to be as diligent as possible with your used car search.

Follow the jump for 10 tips on how to identify a vehicle that may have flood damage.

CarMax provided these ten tips for identifying a vehicle with potentional flood damage:

1. Check for a moldy smell inside the car and feel the carpet for dampness

2. Be suspicious of an older car with a brand new interior or carpeting

3. Check for rust under the brake or gas pedals

4. Look for dirt or rust under the dashboard and floor mats

5. Inspect the bolts and screws under the seats for evidence of rust

6. Check the undercarriage for excessive rust

7. Check inside the trunk under the carpet and in the spare tire well area for rust, dirt or sand

8. Look for corrosion, water marks, or a thin brown line on the exterior of the vehicle

9. Check to see if the electrical system works

10. Check the VIN number with AutoCheck or Carfax to see whether a flood claim has been filed or a salvage title has been issued on the vehicle 

Posted by

John DiPietro October 1, 2009, 11:00 AM

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