Following recent hurricanes and flooding, consumers must be aware of the increased number of cars that have been adversely affected. Unscrupulous dealers may try to take advantage of consumers by “cleaning up” the affected cars and putting them on the market. Cars that have been flooded will often cause serious trouble for the owners. Be aware that water damage to vehicles often damages the electrical components. These problems may not show up right away as it may take weeks or even months for corrosion to eat away at the parts, ultimately causing failure. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle that could have possibly been affected, it is recommended that you check the Carfax report.

Carfax reports include an alert that notifies consumers of any car that was last registered in an area declared a flood-emergency zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Check the date and transfer to see if the vehicle came from a flood-damaged area and if the title is stamped SALVAGE. Carfax reports are available online at www.carfax.com or from Experian at www.autocheck.com for $19.99.

Some tips on how to spot a flood-damaged vehicle include:
• Check under carpets for wet or muddy areas
• Inspect the lights to see if a water line is visible
• Look at the heads of any unpainted, exposed screws which will show signs of rust relatively quickly
• Check the vehicle’s title history
• Complete a detailed inspection of the electrical wiring system looking for rust or water residue, and
• Inspect the car in difficult-to-clean places, such as the gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood.

These are just a few of the many things to look for when flood damage may be suspected. Keep in mind that the more educated you are about the situation, the better consumer you will be, allowing you to be able to get the best quality vehicle for your money.

We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.