News48,000 flood damaged cars hit the used market after recent storms
Storms this summer ruined thousands of vehicles. These cars are now appearing for sale. They look clean but hide deep damage. You might buy one in your neighborhood. Check the history before you sign anything.
If you are shopping for a used car this month, look under the floor mats before you hand over a check. CARFAX, the company that tracks vehicle history, says 48,000 cars were damaged by floods between April and August. These storms hit states like Michigan and Mississippi, but the cars do not stay there. Dealers and private sellers move these vehicles across the country to hide their past. Paul Nadjarian, the chief product officer at CARFAX, warns that a car can look perfect on the outside while the electronics and engine rot from the inside. There are already over 500,000 flood-damaged cars driving on American roads today. You might think your town is safe because you did not have a hurricane, but these cars travel hundreds of miles to find a new buyer. Hidden water damage causes electrical fires and engine failure that can cost you thousands in repairs. Never trust a shiny paint job alone. Go to the CARFAX website to use their free flood check tool before you buy. You should also pay a mechanic to inspect the car for mud in the vents or a musty smell in the trunk. Do not let a storm in another state ruin your business cash flow. A cheap deal on a used van is rarely a bargain if it spent a week underwater.