Beware of buying flood-damaged cars
Anyone considering the purchase of a used car should be aware it may be a flood-damaged car.
Experts estimate as many as 500,000 cars were submerged in toxic flood waters around New Orleans alone and will be totaled by insurance companies. The vehicles then may be sold at auction, cleaned up, and resold to unsuspecting buyers.
Many vehicles were shipped from flooded areas and could end up in Marion County.
If car shoppers don't want to become victims, they need to do their homework.
Be cautious if the sale price seems like a real bargain.
Other ways to tell if a car has been flooded are failure of electrical system, transmission, anti-lock brake system, or air bag; mold and musty smell, and/or rust.
To avoid becoming a victim, follow this advice:
— Have the car thoroughly checked by a trusted mechanic.
— Run a search by VIN (vehicle identification number) to determine the car's history.
— Inspect trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seals for sand, mud, rust, or other signs of water damage. Look for water marks around the engine, on the floor, and behind the dashboard.
— Closely check upholstery and carpeting. Look for deterioration, fading, or staining that could indicate water damage. Be suspicious of carpet or upholstery that doesn't match the interior or doesn't fit properly.
— Thoroughly test all windows, warning lights, gauges, interior and exterior lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, radio, heating and air conditioning to make sure all are operational.
— Sniff around the interior of the car to check for damp or musty odors caused by mildew.
