Water leaves lasting damage. Electrical and mechanical components will probably fail early. Mold and mildew aren't easy to eradicate. Any remaining warranty is voided. Be on the lookout for these cars even if you don't live in a flooded area, because dishonest people move them around.
1. Look for Moisture and Dirt
Look for beads of trapped moisture within the dome light and other lights. Open the glove compartment, console and trunk and inspect them for any sign of dampness or the gritty dirt that's leftover from a flood. Look under the hood for accumulated dirt or signs of rust. Don't forget to slide your hand under the seats to check for signs of moisture.2. Take a Sniff
Do you smell a sour, mildewy-like odor? Soaked seats, carpeting and other components are difficult to dry in a hurry, so there's plenty of time for mold and mildew to grow, especially if the flood occurred in a hot and humid location.You might notice other odors associated with the location where the vehicle was flooded, such as the fuel and oil that spilled into flood waters after Hurricane Katrina.
3. Look for New or Mismatched Interior Components
Does the carpeting look brand new--too new for the vehicle? Is it mismatched? Do seat covers seem out of place with the carpeting? Components that don't match-up might have been changed in a hurry after the vehicle was pulled from flood waters.4. Get a Vehicle History Report from Carfax
Enter the vehicle's VIN number to get a history report. Carfax does a great job of researching a vehicle's background, but a clean slate is not a 100% guarantee that the car or truck hasn't suffered water damage.Look for signs that the car has recently been titled in multiple states, a clue that the owners are attempting to clean up a negative notation on the title, such as salvaged or totaled, by shuffling it into and out of areas where damage disclosures differ or don't exist.
5. Turn it On and Go for a Drive
Turn the car on and check every electrical system possible, including the exterior and interior lights, the gauges, the clock and the audio system and the dash lights that display air bag and seat belt information. Go for a drive and test electrical components again to make sure they work correctly.6. Let Your Technician Examine the Vehicle
Take the vehicle to a technician you trust and ask for a thorough examination. Experienced auto technicians see evidence of flood damage more often than most individuals do, so they know exactly what to look for.If the vehicle still has a new car warranty, the warranty is void if your dealer finds evidence of flood damage--even if the damage is not listed on the title.
