Hurricanes send 350,000 flood-damaged cars to the used market
Hurricane season has been rough this year, and it’s not over yet. Roughly 350,000 flood-damaged cars are heading to the used auto market. Scammers might try to hide the defects for profit. Learn how to spot signs of water damage.
How to spot flood-damaged cars from a mile away
Hurricanes have been pounding vehicles across the entire country. Trucks, SUVs, and cars have been swept away and recovered from Hurricane Helene, Milton, Kirk, and Beryl.
As a result, scammers are working to take advantage of the situation by selling flood-damaged cars. Roughly 350,000 vehicles have water damage and could be put on the market.
According to CARFAX, roughly 120,000 cars from Florida, 138,000 models from Helene, and 89,000 cars from smaller storms could be on the way to used car lots.
Of course, the risk is more prominent in areas closer to the disaster zones. However, they could also be shipped miles across the country to avoid being questioned. New York and Chicago have a surprisingly high amount of flood-damaged cars.
Drivers need to avoid vehicles with flood damage because water can destroy the engine, transmission, and breaks. Long-term damage may include electrical problems with everything from the wiring harness to computer chips.
Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electronics that are expensive to repair. Plus, the damage may not become noticeable until weeks or months after your purchase.
Corrosion in electrical systems can be difficult to spot. However, wiring damage, short circuits, and corrosion may cause safety issues like sensor failures and airbag malfunctions.
Signs of water damage include:
- Damp carpets
- Musty odors that might be covered by air fresheners
- Upholstery that’s loose, stained, mismatched, or new
- Rust around the doors, dash, pedals, hood, and trunk latches
- Signs of mud, sand, and silt in the glove box or under the seats
- Fog or moisture in the interior lights, exterior lights, or instrument panel
Protect yourself by reviewing the vehicle’s history, carefully inspecting it, and taking it to a trusted mechanic before making your purchase.
