If you’re planning to buy a used car soon — or even just considering it — be aware that recent record-breaking rainfall in our area could lead to a rise in flood-damaged vehicles hitting the market.
These cars often show up at auto auctions, used car lots, classified ads and on social media marketplaces. At first glance, they may seem like a great deal — clean interiors, new carpeting, low prices — but beneath the surface, there could be serious hidden damage.
After insurance claims are settled, flood-damaged vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold, often without a clear history. And while they may be transported far from the original flood zone, there’s a real possibility we’ll see some right here in our own market.
A middleman buyer may even intentionally hide a car’s history as a flood-damaged vehicle through a process known as “title washing” and sell it to an unsuspecting buyer in a state unaffected by the disaster.
Among many possible mechanical problems faced by flooded cars, corrosion can take years to surface, delaying when electrical and mechanical problems become obvious. By the time the issues become apparent, the seller is gone, and the new owner is left with an unreliable vehicle and no recourse against the seller.
You want to be sure to steer clear of unscrupulous businesses and individuals who may try to sell flood-damaged cars as standard secondhand cars without revealing the vehicles’ history. Besides ensuring that you’re working with reputable companies, such as BBB-accredited auto dealers, you can look for several signs that a car has been damaged by floodwaters.
BBB’S CHECKLIST
— Ask to see the title. Check the date and place of transfer, verifying where the car came from. Ask questions if the title is stamped “salvage” or arrived from a recently flood-damaged state. Consider purchasing a vehicle history report, which includes information if the car has ever been tagged as “salvage” or “flood damaged” in any state.
— Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to ensure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for indications that the dashboard may have been removed.
— Check the electronic components. Test the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to ensure they work. Also, flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack, since wet wires become brittle upon drying.
— Check the interior spaces. Look in the trunk, glove compartment and beneath the seats and dash for signs of mud, rust or water damage. Check for open drainage holes in the bottom of the vehicle.
— Check the condition of the fabrics. Look for discolored, faded or mildewed upholstery and carpeting. Recently shampooed carpets may be cause for concern. Carpeting that has been replaced may fit too loosely or not match the interior color.
— Get a vehicle history report from a database service. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free database lists flood damage and other information. But note that the bureau reports are only helpful if the car is insured. If an uninsured flood-damaged car owner tries to sell it on the open market and you’re the buyer, you may never know there’s a problem until things like the electrical system go bad.
— Remember to check under the hood. Look for standing water, mud or grit in the spare tire wheel well or around the engine compartment under the hood.
— Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign there may be a mold or odor problem.
— Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB business profile of the dealer at BBB.org.
— Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, consider having a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic. If the seller isn’t willing to let you have it inspected before buying the vehicle, consider that a huge red flag.
For more information, you can read BBB’s tips on buying used cars and check out BBB’s flooding resources.
FALL SHRED DAY
A proactive step toward protecting your identity is to safely shred unneeded documents and/or hard drives that contain personally identifiable information and banking information. You can do this for free at BBB’s next Shred Day on Oct. 25.
The bi-annual event will be held from 9 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 2111 W. Shepherd Road in Chattanooga. (Location is near Exit 1A/Airport off Highway 153).
In addition to bringing paper documents and hard drives for destruction, electronics can also be brought for recycling and outdated or unneeded prescription drugs can be dropped off for safe disposal.
Please limit documents to three large trash bags per person, and limit hard drives to four per person. For more information, please visit bbb.org/Chattanooga or call your BBB at 423-266-6144.
Thank you to our event partners: Resource 1 Tier 3 Data Security, Hamilton County Coalition, River City Shredding, AARP, A-1 Barricades, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Cumulus Media Chattanooga, Double D Piping, First Horizon Bank, Local 3 News and Sunny 92.3.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.