The Dangers Of Purchasing A Flood-Damaged Vehicle

The Dangers Of Purchasing A Flood-Damaged Vehicle

With two major hurricanes ripping through the US this year, there have been hundreds of billions in damage to homes and businesses alone. Cars, trucks, and SUVs were also hit hard, and a flooded vehicle is most likely a total loss. Some dealerships and independent sellers have opted to attempt repairs and refurbishment on flooded vehicles, and this will inevitably lead to problems to the unknowing buyer.

Hurricanes Florence and Michael tore through the east coast, leaving a trail of destruction behind it. Vehicles certainly weren't spared, as insurance agencies received a record number of claims in the days and weeks after. For those that had coverage that handled flood damage the process was inconvenient, but those with only the state mandated minimum coverage the aftermath was life-altering. To recoup some of their losses, many have made the decision to try selling their vehicle despite knowing the dangers to buyers. 

In a recent study conducted by Carfax, they have determined that nearly half a million flood-damaged vehicles are being sold nationally with no warning issued to potential buyers. Many of these are transported across the country with their titles "washed" to prevent detection. Many issues surface in the wake of a vehicle subject to flooding. Electrical issues, corrosion, safety system failures, mold, and bacterial outbreaks are just a few. No matter how well a vehicle is cleaned and repaired, it will never operate properly after such extensive water damage. 

There are only a few ways to prevent purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle. Our partners at Westbury Toyota Auto Repair Service here in Westbury, NY have a few suggestions that will minimize your odds of finding yourself in the driver's seat of one. Always buying from a trusted and branded dealership is one.

The amount of oversight from a large dealership would negate the probability of one ever being on their lot. If you buy from an individual, perform a title search and have a mechanic perform a full check top to bottom. If the title has been transferred across state lines once or more, be especially wary. 

It was not at all unexpected that in the aftermath of a disaster such as the recent hurricanes, unscrupulous people would attempt to make a profit. Many have chosen to knowingly purchase damaged vehicles and flip them across state lines to buyers who would only discover their mistake when it's too late.

Taking a little extra time and effort to ensure you're not one of them is well worth it. 

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: rachetandwrench.com