Buying a used vehicle can save you lots of money compared to buying a new vehicle, but researching your purchase can help you avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle. Some auto dealers and private sellers might attempt to sell a car that has been in a flood. If you know what to look for, you can spot these cars. A vehicle that has been in a flood can be dangerous to drive and expensive to fix.
Get a vehicle history report of the car by going to a vehicle history website, such as Carfax or autocheck.com
Enter the VIN and it will provide a complete history of the car.
Check for moisture and dirt inside the headlights, under the hood and inside the car.
Check for signs of rust under the hood and the undercarriage of the car.
Smell the car for mildew.
Check for visible signs of water stains on the carpet and the fabric on the seats.
Test drive the car for possible electrical problems with the car, checking the guages on the dashboard for signs of water.
