Cars Flooded in Sandy Might Hit Market

Thousands of cars and trucks were damaged by Superstorm Sandy’s flood waters. Just as was seen with Hurricane Katrina, many of these vehicles may soon appear in the market via crooks who purchase the cars after they’ve been declared totaled by insurers, then clean and attempt to resell them. It can be very difficult to figure out if a vehicle has been damaged by flood waters, but a Consumer Affairs website has published 10 helpful inspection tips offered by the National Automobile Dealers Association:

1. Check the vehicle’s title history by VIN through commercially available vehicle history reports from Experian’s Auto Check or through the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VinCheck. The report may state whether a vehicle has sustained flood damage.

2. Examine the interior and the engine compartment for evidence of water and grit from suspected submersion.

3. Check for recently shampooed carpet.

4. Look under the floorboard carpet for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water not related to air-conditioning pan leaks.

5. Inspect for rusting on the inside of the car and under interior carpeting and visually inspect all interior upholstery and door panels for any evidence of fading.

6. Check under the dashboard for dried mud and residue, and note any evidence of mold or a musty odor in the upholstery, carpet or trunk.

7. Check for rust on screws in the console or other areas where the water would normally not reach unless submerged.

8. Look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.

9. Complete a detailed inspection of the electrical wiring system looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.

10. Inspect the undercarriage of other components for evidence of rust and flaking metal that would not normally be associated with late model vehicles.