It is extremely hard to find a new or used car right now, and buying a used car isn’t usually the easiest process. When you do find one that is just right you’re tempted to jump on it immediately. Don’t.
Recently, many auto auctions throughout the United States have begun to sell ‘flood cars’ to dealerships all over the nation. A result of the recent hurricanes and extreme weather.
Flood cars can have hidden damage.
These cars have been damaged by floodwaters, and processed through dealership insurance claims. They are full of hidden pitfalls, and hard-to-spot vehicle damage. The may not show signs of water damage, and end up costing the buyers a lot more than they are worth.
Many are sent off to be destroyed/recycled, but some are salvage-titled and re-sold to dealers. Sometimes these vehicles are sold with full disclosure, honestly.
Sometimes they are sold with the flood damage hidden, dishonestly. Sometimes people go through the process called “title washing” to hide the flood damage. Sometimes, dealers may be the second or third buyer of a flood vehicle, and not know what they, or you, are buying!
Overall, the best way to avoid purchasing one of these vehicles is to be knowledgeable, check a vehicle out prior to purchase, and take advantage of tools available to help spot flood cars.
One such tool is available through Carfax – a free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check – to see if the car has been tagged/titled as a flood-branded vehicle. This would be your best red flag. You can access that tool HERE.
Another similar tool is available through Experian Autocheck – HERE.
The Missouri Attorney General’s website has a great summary about flood cars and you can contact the Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline as well.
