On May 25, the Climate Prediction Center released its initial 2017 hurricane outlook and predicted the Atlantic hurricane season for this year would be "above normal." Unfortunately, the devastation caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma have proven those estimations correct.
Among the damage done to people and property, recent floods in the Texas and Florida regions may have damaged as many as 500,000 automobiles. If you are in the market for a used car, Better Business Bureau cautions you to watch for flood-damaged vehicles that could begin to pop up in our area.
Unsuspecting consumers, particularly those living in regions of the country unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, can be led astray by fresh upholstery, new carpeting and bargain prices.
After a vehicle has incurred flood damage, the insurance company may declare it a total loss. When a car is declared a total loss, it should be sent to the junk yard. However, some of these cars may be sold at auction as "salvage" vehicles. Then they may end up for sale on used car lots, in classified ads or online on Craigslist.
After a thorough cleaning, new carpet and floor mats, these cars may look just as good as any other car on the surface. However, buying a car that has been exposed to flood waters can have hidden problems including mold, mildew, rusty wiring, computer malfunctions, airbags that do not inflate and much more.
Use the following tips to spot vehicles that may have been flooded:
Ask to see the title of a used car. Check the date and place of transfer to see if the car came from a flood-damaged area and if the title is stamped "salvage."
Check all gauges on the dashboard to make sure they are accurate and look for signs of moisture.
Test the equipment including lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, sound system, heater 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 any time.
Check the hard-to-reach 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 may fit too loosely or may not match the interior color.
Check for a well-defined line, or "watermark," and for musty odors resulting from mildew.
Check the car dealer's BBB Business Profile to see if they have a history of complaints.
Ask the dealer directly if the car has been damaged by floodwater.
Get a vehicle history report based on its VIN number.
Before you buy any used car, you should always get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic of "your" choosing, not a referral from the seller. The extra cost upfront may save you thousands of dollars in the long run if major problems are discovered.
Consumers may obtain BBB Business Profiles or post Customer Reviews by going to bbb.org. Assistance also is available by calling 888-996-3887 toll-free.
Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.