How To Avoid A Flood-Damaged Car
Buying a used car has its advantages; for example, used cars are relatively affordable and don't cost as much to insure as brand new cars. However, you won't realize the benefits of buying a used car if you end up with a flood-damaged one. Here are a few precautions to help you avoid a flood-damaged car:
Check the History of the Car
One of the best ways to know whether a car has experienced damage, including its flood damage history, is to check its history. There are many ways for doing this; for example, there are websites that provide histories of flood damage and you can also use the VIN number of the car to investigate its history.
Get the Car Inspected
Another tip is to inspect the car or get it inspected by a person who understands these things. Here are some of the telltale signs that may point to flood damage in the car's history:
- Musty or moldy odor from the car's interior
- Stained carpet or upholstery
- Foggy headlights
- Rust in hidden places and crevices
These are not definitive signs of water damage, but the more of them that are present, the higher the likelihood of flood damage.
Test Drive the Car
You should always test drive a car before purchase; it may help you identify problems with the car including flood damage. For example, flood water typically interferes with electronics and electrical systems; therefore, you should suspect such a damage if the electronics of the car are not operating as they should during the test drive.
Watch Out For Extremely Good Deals
Most of those who try to sell flood-damaged cars under the radar want the sale to go as fast and as smooth as possible. They don't want to give you time to dig around for more information about the car. Therefore, one tactic they use is to price their cars below the market value with the hope that a gullible buyer will snap up the "deal" fast and without further investigations. This is one of those cases that the phrase "think twice if the deal is too good" applies.
Buy From Reputable Dealers
Lastly, a reputable dealership is not likely to try to sell you a flood-damaged car under the radar. Such dealer has too much to lose to engage in such underhand tactics. You are more likely to buy a flood-damaged car without knowing if you are buying from an individual or dodgy online car buying sites.
Whether you are looking for a pre owned Ram or you need a minivan, take your time and do your due diligence to select a car you can count on.