When foodwaters recede, damaged used cars surface

With the recent flooding throughout the Southeast, many cars that experienced water damage will no doubt be cleaned up for resale to unsuspecting buyers. Some experts estimate that up to half of all vehicles damaged by floodwaters eventually return to market.

Florida ranks No. 3 as having water-logged vehicles resold, according to a recent Carfax report.

After a vehicle has incurred flood damage, the insurance company might declare it a total loss. When that happens, the car should be sent to the junkyard; however, many go to auction as "salvage" or "flood" vehicles, after which they too often end up for sale in used car lots, classified ads or online.

After a thorough cleaning and replacement of the carpet and floor mats, these cars on the surface can look as good as new. But the hidden problems can include mold and mildew, rusty wiring, computer malfunctions and airbags that don't inflate, among others.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers these tips to help shoppers spot a flood-damaged vehicle:

• Sniff around. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign that someone's trying to mask a mold or odor problem.

• Take a close look. Check for water stains, mildew and sand or silt under the carpet, floor mats, dashboard and in the wheel well where the spare is stored. Check dashboard gauges to make sure they are accurate, and look for signs of water. Test lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, sound system and air conditioner -- several times -- to make sure they work.

• Flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack, since wet wires become brittle upon drying and can crack or fail at an time. Check the interior of the trunk and glove compartment, and beneath the seats and dashboard for signs of mud, rust or water damage. Look for discolored, faded or stained upholstery and carpeting Carpeting that has been replaced might fit too loosely or might not match the interior color. Check for a well-defined line, or "watermark."

•  Check the history. Ask to see the title. Check the date and place of transfer to see if the title is stamped "flood damage" or "salvage." Get a vehicle history report based on the VIN number. 

•  A salvage title means an insurance company declared the car a total loss because of a serious accident or other problems. A flood title means the car has damage from sitting in water deep enough to fill the engine compartment The title status is part of the vehicle's history report.

• Either way, do the inspection and see the records before you buy any used car. With salvage and flood titled cars, you need to be extra careful, as unscrupulous companies and individuals will attempt to mislead buyers by withholding information or intentionally hiding a car's history through a process called "title washing." 

•  Research the dealer. Check the car dealer's business profile at www.bbb.org.

• Consult a trusted mechanic. Before you buy any used car, you should get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic. The extra cost could save you money in the long run.

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