Don’t get soaked as flooded cars hit the used car market

Follow these tips to stay on the dry side with your next ride

By CASEY WILLIAMS
Guest Columnist

Given all the flooding in the Midwest, there are fleets of cars and trucks that met their fates in feet of water. Soon, as insurance companies work through claims, many will be scrapped.

However, there will be a flood of previously soaked automobiles hitting the used car trade with buyers unaware of their prior aquatics. Fear not, though, as there are ways to discern the merely moist from the truly sodden.

Start in the trunk. Look for signs of water or debris. Check under the carpet and the spare tire as both can hint at prior submersion. Next, check carpeting lining the trunk and inside the cabin. Inspect for fading or obvious signs of being wet. If you can lift flooring in the trunk, check for rust beneath.

Next, move up front and open the hood. Inspect all of the crooks and crevices for mud and debris. Be especially vigilant near the starter motor, power steering pump and around wiring harnesses – all of which can suffer from intense moisture.

Then, move inside and take a big whiff. If there’s an air of musty or foul odors, there’s also a chance fish swam nearby. Search seat belts and upholstery for stains or discoloration. While you’re in there, peek under seats and the dashboard for mold, mildew, or water marks. If there’s anywhere to lift the carpet, check under there, too.

Stepping back outside, take a visual inspection of paint, tires, and trim for indicators of water stains or premature rust. Look closely at headlights and taillamps, both of which can be swamped with water. Rust or internally stained brown lenses are telltale signs. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels first, but slide yourself underneath the car to inspect bolts, screws, wheels, brake discs, and other parts for caked debris, metal flaking or rust – all unusual on newer cars.

Now, click the starter. If there’s hesitation, walk away. If it fires right up, test all of the electrical switches to make sure they work. Windshield wipers and power window switches are telltale signs if they don’t function. Absolutely turn on the air conditioning to see if it works properly, but strong musty odors can also be a concern.

One last thing: run the VIN.

Even if everything checks out, there’s one more step that’s a good idea for all pre-owned vehicles: run the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for damage reports. Insurance companies report salvage titles as they pay owners for total losses. Companies like CarFax and Experian’s AutoCheck channel data from Departments of Motor Vehicles, insurance providers, auto recyclers, and salvage yards to compile the car’s story. Only if you’re a qualified mechanic who’s restored multiple cars should you ignore the truth of the car’s history if bad news surfaces.

No doubt, unscrupulous auto dealers are out there now, gathering flooded vehicles, and cleaning them up for resale. They think you won’t know the difference. But they won’t be sold to you because you know for what to look and how to check the car’s record.

Storm Forward!

Casey Williams is an Indianapolis automotive journalist. Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.