There have been many reports of flooding around the nation and nearby, and that could mean that flood-damaged cars will show up in our marketplace. While reputable dealers will be very transparent about any damage that may have impacted a vehicle that's for sale, unscrupulous dealers may try to mask damage in hopes of getting top dollar for what could be advertised as standard secondhand cars.
These vehicles typically show up at auto auctions, used car dealerships and through classified ads. Unsuspecting consumers, particularly those living in regions of the nation unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, are often fooled by fresh upholstery, new carpeting and bargain prices.
Once the owners of damaged cars settle with the insurance companies, the vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold. Flooded cars are often transported well beyond the original region where the flood or major storm occurred to locations where consumers may be less aware of the damage and what warning signs to look for. Sometimes, a middleman buyer intentionally hides a car's history as a flood-damaged vehicle through a process known as "title washing" and sells 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. It can cause electrical and mechanical problems. By the time the issues become apparent, the seller is typically gone, and you as the new owner can be left with an unreliable vehicle and no recourse against the seller.
Your Better Business Bureau strongly recommends car buyers remain aware of the possibility of unethical businesses and individuals who may try to sell flood-damaged cars without revealing each vehicle's true history. As you shop for a used vehicle, there are many signs you can watch for to help you detect issues. In fact, BBB offers a 10-step approach for determining if a used car is flood-damaged:
1. 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.
2. Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to ensure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for indications the dashboard may have been removed.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 National Insurance 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.
7. 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.
8. Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign there may be a mold or odor problem.
9. Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB Business Profile of the dealer at BBB.org.
10. Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, consider having a prepurchase inspection by a trusted mechanic. If a seller isn't willing to let you have a car checked before you agree to a purchase, consider that a significant red flag.
BBB offers additional tips on buying used cars, and BBB's microsite for planning for natural disasters offers resources related to flooding concerns.
Next Shred Day is Oct. 17
A great, proactive approach to securing your identity is to safely destroy and dispose of unneeded documents and hard drives that contain your personally identifiable information. BBB is here to help with our fall "Shred Day."
BBB will hold this free, bi-annual event in partnership with the Chattanooga Times Free Press, River City Shredding, Resource 1 Tier 3 Data Security, Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Hamilton County Coalition from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 7.(Shredding will end earlier if trucks fill up.)
The event will be in the Coca-Cola Bottling Company's parking lot at 2111 W. Shepherd Road in Chattanooga, which is just off exit 1A (Airport exit) from Highway 153.
This is also a wonderful opportunity for residents to have electronics recycled and outdated or unneeded prescription drugs dropped off for safe disposal.
Please limit documents to three large trash bags of documents 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.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.
Staff file photo / Chattanooga Better Business Bureau President Michele Mason