Hurricane Ida is one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the U.S. in recent memory, causing much flooding and devastation. After an event like this, flooded cars often enter the used car market. They may have these cars cleaned up, but flood damage is unpredictable. The many issues caused by water hitting the vital parts of the car will often leave it too costly to repair. Here’s what you can do to avoid getting into a bad deal:
A history report will reveal all the locations in the car’s registration. In most cases, it will also show if it has undergone flood damage in its title branding. If there’s no sign in the registration, you should still be wary of cars that come from areas hit by hurricanes recently. There is a chance that the vehicle tried to bypass regulations. Some dealers do this in hopes of cleaning up its record, a practice called title washing.
The interior of a car is where you can spot signs of flood damage. The vehicle may have a moldy smell, and parts of its carpet may be damp, indicating it went through a flood. You can also lift the carpeting inside the trunk for any sign of rust or sand, which shows that it went through floodwaters. Rust on the bolts and screws under the seats can also indicate flood damage.
The car’s exterior will show signs of corrosion or even subtler thin brown lines across its body. There may also be watermarks on the vehicle, indicating that it’s been through floodwaters. The undercarriage can reveal signs of flood damage. You’ll usually find excessive rust in flood-damaged cars.
A car dealer with a good track record will avoid buying flood-damaged cars as it is not a risk they’re willing to take. By working with them, you increase the chances that you’ll buy a good working vehicle. Check the dealer’s history and any reviews surrounding the business. If there’s an issue, you’ll find a disgruntled buyer who has experience buying a flood-damaged car from them.
Another way to ensure that you don’t get a flooded car is to hire a mechanic to come with you and inspect the vehicle. They’ll easily spot signs of flood damage for you and recommend if the car’s worth buying or not. These mechanics have likely worked with flooded cars in the past, so they’ll see the signs, even if the car’s cleaned up. It’s a small price to pay to ensure you’re not buying a damaged vehicle.
If you suspect that you’re looking at a flood-damaged car, take every precaution necessary. Often, you’ll find these deals too good to be true. Take a step back and have it examined or check the car’s history. If you verified that it’s a flood-damaged car, contact local law enforcement as selling these types of vehicles is fraud.
https://www.iii.org/article/flood-cars-how-to-avoid-purchasing-a-washed-up-vehicle
https://www.carprousa.com/blog/10-tips-on-how-to-avoid-flood-damaged-vehicles
https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/how-to-avoid-buying-a-flood-damaged-car.html
Columbine Federal Credit Union will not contact you by unsolicited text messaging or automated phone calls. If you receive a message that indicates it is from us, it is most likely a scam.
Please call us at 720-283-2346 if you suspect fraudulent activity or have any questions.
To report a lost or stolen credit card: 800-325-3678
To report a lost or stolen debit card: 888-241-2510
Bank to receive wire:
Alloya Corporate FCU
11080 CirclePoint Road, Suite 500
Westminster, CO 80020
Routing Number: 307087399
Further Credit to:
Columbine Federal Credit Union
4902 E. Dry Creek Rd.
Centennial, CO 80122
Routing Number: 302075131
Final Credit:
Beneficiary Name *
Account Number *
© 2024 Columbine Federal Credit Union
Website by Your Marketing Co
Columbine Federal Credit Union provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information. A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site. Once you link to another web site not maintained by Columbine Federal Credit Union, you are subject to the terms and conditions of that web site, including but not limited to its privacy policy.
Click the link above to continue or CANCEL