Protect Yourself From Buying A Flood Car

250,000 CARS were flood-damaged by hurricane sandy 50% WILL BE RESOLD These cars may look great, but their internal hardware and safety systems have been compromised, so they're likely to cause you trouble later. LEARN TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BUYING A FLOOD CAR JUNK The Law: The titles of these cars must be marked as junk or salvage to warn future buyer of potential car problems. Title Washing: But there's a way to work around the disclosure issue by acquiring new titles from states that don't require this disclosure. Shady dealers will snap up such damaged cars for cheap, transport them to a different state, and apply for new, untainted titles. 5 TIPS TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED Use a reputable dealer A known car dealer isn't going to risk getting "outed" for having knowingly sold flood-damaged cars to customers. # 1 Stay away from once-in-a-lifetime bargains Check the list price for the model in question. If you're offered a used model at half the going rate, that should set off alarm bells in your head. 2 Do a background check The NICB offers a free online tool called VINCheck to help you identify vehicles damaged by Sandy. VINCheck Have the car inspected Get a licensed mechanic to check out the car in question. 4 Apply your own keen eye condensation stains on the inside the upholstery speedometer glass rust damage inside the door track, or rusted sand deposits water lines in the under the seats trunk or engine bolts under seats compartment TIPS: [+] Flex some wires beneath the dashboard . If they feel brittle this car was submerged in water. [+] As soon as you open the car door take a deep breath. Check if that initial breath seems mildew. by Kars 4 Kids