Here are some real car tips on how to avoid being taken by unscrupulous auto dealers. There are a lot of hurricane and flood damaged cars that were totaled in the past year or so. Unfortunately, these cars bring in big bucks for those who illegally put them back into the marketplace. Here are things to look for so that you’re not taken in these scams.
Real Car Tips on Flood Damaged Cars
If you are in the market for a used car and come across a newer car with an incredibly low price tag, question the seller as to why. Your number one real car tips: If there is no believable reason a 2014 Camry is being offered for sale for only $10,000, then you need to check for the telltale signs of flood damage.
The Signs of Car Water Damage
- There is mold, rust or mud under the carpet.
- The interior of the car smells musty or moldy after it sits with the windows rolled up for 10 minutes or more.
- Mud is found in crevices under the hood or inside the trunk.
- There is rust on screw heads in interior places like inside the door jams or under the hood.
- Water or debris is found under the spare tire in the trunk.
- Paint is bubbling in areas on the inside of the car.
- Fog is found in the instrument panel on the dashboard.
- Use a flashlight to check under the dashboard for debris or stains.
How Flood Cars Make It to Market
Criminals will purchase flooded cars for salvage and then sell them as regular cars. The best way to avoid being taken in these scams is to get a car history report. Using CarFax will reveal that the title was salvaged at some point. Real car tips always advise to avoid those cars. If you are ever in question if the car you’re thinking of buying is a good car, stop by A1 Performance Auto Repair to have our certified mechanics check the car before you buy.
