Beware of flooded cars, they are showing up everywhere and here's what you need to know
There are many other things you can look for, but these are the main areas and parts and if you see any of these questionable indicators like water stains or marks, unusual rust and corrosion or unusual painted areas like the spare tire well, then it is probably a good idea to thank the seller for their time and move on. Also, the number one indicator which I didn’t mention much above due to its obviousness is a musty, mildew or damp, wet smelling odor which if the car has it pretty much guarantees that you are looking at a flood car and you should literally run, not walk away from it.
If you feel that you are not mechanically inclined enough to comfortably identify the above listed warning signs of vehicle flood history then you can always hire a local mechanic or repair shop to do a used car check over. Be sure to ask them if it has been in a flood or wreck. Mechanics can find and expose stuff you would never have seen. Even if they don’t find flood problems, they may find a bad or rigged transmission, inferior parts, a previous wreck history and even frame damage which will, just like flood damage, make the car unsafe. The usual price for a used car check over is around $60 to $100 and is well worth. I recommend a used car check over on any used car purchase that is out of warranty – it can save you thousands on repairs and give you added comfort and security in knowing that you will end up with a safer car.
