Hurricane Ian recently struck the east coast of the United States and left multiple cities in multiple states underwater. These flood waters caused major damages to landscapes, homes, businesses, and even vehicles. Not only did rain waters cause significant damage but storm surges along the coast brought salt water rushing inland which is detrimental to cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With the influx of flooded vehicles, chances are high that untrustworthy sellers will attempt to put these damaged vehicles back on the market in North Carolina.
Salt water and fresh water can cause numerous issues to vehicles. Floodwaters will cause all sorts of issues to electronics, engines, fluid reservoirs, lubricants, and many other components that make up a car, truck, or SUV.
There are an estimated 378,000 vehicles on the road today that have been flooded in the past. This does not mean that all of these vehicles are located by the coast or in areas that commonly see flood waters.
Some owners will sell their vehicle in different states or different parts of the country to attempt to cover up the fact that it was once in a coastal area or a flood zone.
Check the CARFAX for Flood Damage:
If you are looking to buy a vehicle, no matter where it is located, be sure to obtain the VIN of the vehicle and look over the CARFAX. If the vehicle has been flooded, it should be reported on the CARFAX. The flooded status will only show on the CARFAX if the previous owner reported it to their insurance company. The insurance company will then change the status of the vehicle to salvage if the flood damage was substantial enough to deem the vehicle irreparable.
What if the CARFAX does not show Flood Damage?
At times, the owner of the flooded vehicle will NOT report it to their insurance company. In this case, the flooded status will NOT show on the CARFAX report. The owner of the vehicle may not have comprehensive coverage that covers floods which in turn means that the owner would not be in correspondence with the insurance company.
If the CARFAX does not show any flood damage be sure to still check out these items that CARFAX say may show signs that the vehicle was once flooded:
- A musty odor in the interior, which sellers sometimes try to cover with a strong air-freshener
- Upholstery or carpeting that may be loose, new, stained or that doesn’t match the rest of the interior
- Damp carpets
- Rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals or inside the hood and trunk latches
- Mud in the glove compartment or under the seats
- Brittle wires under the dashboard or under the hood.
- Fog or moisture beads in the interior lights, exterior lights or instrument panel.
- Rust or corrosion under the hood
- Water in or around the spare tire compartment
Not all vehicles show signs of flooding in the past. It can at times take months or years for the corrosion to affect different components of the vehicle that has been flooded. Be sure to thoroughly check the list above and seek out a mechanics assistance if you are unsure of all the various components of the vehicle to check.
What if a Car, Truck, or SUV that I am Interested in Purchasing has been Flooded?
Experts in the automobile industry and mechanics STRONGLY urge everyone to stay away from any vehicle that has been flooded. A plethora of issues could be present and would drastically affect the worth and function of the vehicle that you may be interested in purchasing. Remember, even if the vehicle has been flooded and is currently drivable with no issues, down the road many issues could arise as parts begin to corrode and deteriorate. Ultimately, stay far away from a flooded vehicle when considering purchasing your next car, truck, or SUV.
Still have Questions about Flooded Vehicles?
If you are looking for a used vehicle, be sure to follow all of the steps listed above to be sure that the vehicle is worth what you are paying for. After the recent hurricane and with hurricane season still in full effect, be sure that the car, truck, or SUV that you are purchasing is floodwater free!
If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out to Get400More.com by live chatting us on our website or giving us a call at 1 (844) 400-MORE!
What is Get400More.com?
Get400More.com is a car buying service that purchases cars, trucks, and SUV’s while paying you more than your local dealership or any other car buying service. We purchase vehicles that are drivable, would pass NC state inspection, and have clean titles (not salvage or rebuilt titles).
Feel free to give us a call at 1 (844) 400-MORE for a quote on your vehicle!
