While the news reports concerning
hurricanes, flood damages and the travesty that was put upon the
unfortunate victims have slowed down, the dangers and hazards are
still present.
With reports varying upwards of 600,000
vehicles damaged by floodwaters, these cars and trucks will most
certainly, and already have, surfaced across the country, waiting on
their next victim.
It’s easy to let your guard down with
out much media publicity, but used car buyers should be aware that
these vehicles are still out in the market, perhaps cross country in
states that are not affected by the floods.
A couple of common issues that have
surfaced, that you should be aware of, is sellers attempting to hide
the origin of where these cars came from. By registering the vehicle
in different states, it creates a paper trail that can be difficult
to trace unless you spend the time for researching.
Another common issue is sellers
changing license plate frames or adding an emblem from another state.
This of course is designed to hide or deceive the potential buyer of
what state the Car came from.
The question remains, what steps should
a consumer take to minimize their risk of purchasing one of these
damaged vehicles? The below tips, ideas and suggestions will at least
minimize your risk of purchasing a car or truck that has been
involved with floodwaters.
Check the National Insurance Crime
Bureau’s web site at www.nicb.org, they have compiled a list of
vehicles that have that have been affected by hurricanes Katrina,
Rita and Wilma. While this list may not include every single vehicle,
it’s a good place to start with.
Also run an online history report, once
again, this database may not be all-inclusive, but it’s another
step in the process of elimination.
Knowledge Is King, and it can’t have
more meaning than in your quest for a quality used automobile.
Following the below inspection tips will offer some added protection
as well, and perhaps is the most effective means of determining in
the vehicle was involved in floods.
·Inspect for grass and debris around
the radiator, underneath around the frame, front and rear suspension
components, etc.
·Check for standing waterlines in the
engine compartment, rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets
of the door panels and interior trim areas.
·Mildew smell inside due to wet
carpeting and padding indicate the possibility water intrusions.
·Inspect connectors and wiring for
signs of corrosion, physically disconnect a few connectors and
inspect the terminals. Corrosion evidence will be a green or white
chalk type substance or rust color.
·Look for rusted bolts and metal
components, particularly underneath seats where water has been
standing.
·Inspect for windows fogging up on the
inside after the vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication
that there may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet padding.
·Inspect trunk area for waterlines,
corroded connectors and wiring.
With a keen eye and a little knowledge
you can minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a
vehicle that has potential long-term effects by water damage.
Usedcarwise.com offers a comprehensive
"how to" course designed to educate the average consumer on
protecting themselves when used car shopping.
For more information visit the web site
at www.usedcarwise.com or call toll free 1 866 374 WISE (9473).
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