Buying a flood-damaged car can have serious implications. An unethical seller can take a vehicle that’s been flood-damaged, give it a fresh coat of paint, new upholstery, and make it look, drive, and smell like a brand new (used) car. Like fishing, they just put it out there for sale and wait for an unsuspecting customer to bite.
Flood-damaged cars can be found anywhere cars are sold. You can find them on little corner lots or at big franchise dealerships.
Keep in mind, the person selling the car might not even know it’s been in a flood. I’ve seen many flood vehicles in my career, I’ve even accidentally bought a few by mistake.
There are a few tell-tale signs of flooding. Here are six simple steps that myself and other appraisers across the country use to inspect a vehicle to determine if it’s been previously been underwater.
Check under the hood for any evidence of grit and water suspected from the vehicle being submersed. Look for possible salt residue from evaporation on the firewalls and engine itself.
Check for grit, corrosion, or discolored mud in engine crevices, alternator crevices, power steering pump, recesses of starter motors, behind or around wiring harnesses, etc.
