ifydcat A lot of people who are thinking of buying a used car use the car’s price as basis for their decision. Although this is justifiable, used car buyers must be careful in engaging deals because used cars that are way cheaper than it is supposed to be may have been flood damaged. It may be hard to believe, but there are a lot of people nowadays who will try their best to convince innocent buyers to purchase flood-damaged cars by making the car look alright and totally in good condition. Aside from this, they also go as far as transporting these used cars to countries or states that has no laws about flooded cars and sell these cars in the said places. If you are thinking of getting a used car, then this article may be helpful to you. In the following paragraphs, you’ll be given ideas on what to check and look for in the car in order for you to avoid purchasing flood-damaged car.
One way to find out if the car you are about to buy has been damaged by flood is by checking the car’s glove compartment, flooring under the seats and dashboard. If the car is flood-damaged you will most likely going to see some water damages like rust or mud. Also try to check and examine thoroughly the car’s carpeting and upholstery. If it does not fit properly, chances are they have been replaced. If you noticed that the floor carpet and upholstery are stained, discolored or faded, there is a possibility that it could have been damaged by water.
After, checking the interior of the car, it would be wise to check also the warning and accessory lights if they work properly by turning the ignition on. Also make sure that the ABS lights as well as the car’s airbag works well. Moreover, try testing the lights of the car – both interior and exterior if they are working. Also check the radio, air conditioner, heater and turn signals several times to see if they work properly.
Normally, wires get brittle when soaked in water so once they get dry they crack when they are flexed. Try to do this with the wires that can be found under the car’s dashboard —- flex them and if the wires crack then it is definitely flood damaged. Also use your olfactory senses to detect if the car is a flood damaged car. Normally, flood damaged car smells musty due to water damage and mildew. On the contrary, also think twice if you smell strong car deodorizer for the seller is maybe trying to cover something about the car.
It will also be best if you ask for the history report of the car from the seller. If he refuses to give it, get the car’s 17-digit VIN or vehicle identification number on the car’s dashboard and you can do the car’s history background check by yourself. Flood damaged cars may look good in the outside and may appear like nothing is wrong with them. However, the problems with these cars may lie on its mechanical aspects. Defects on the machine of the car are often every hard or expensive to fix. Hence, remember that in buying used cars, it is best to be keen ad cautious than sorry.
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