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Tech Info Thinking about buying a USED car or truck?
CHECK FOR FLOOD DAMAGE!
Due to the recent hurricanes, many cars that will be shipped north may have been refurbished with completely new
interiors to avoid that musty odor.
They look nice on the lot and they are priced right. However, there are often
signs, if you know where to look for them. Buying a flood damaged car can be extremely expensive!
Even some titles
have been altered according to Carfax and estimates have ranged between 300,000 to 600,000 damaged vehicles in the hurricanes
of 2005 alone. Print the list below and take it with you before handing over hard earned cash.
Check for dirt under the hood in the engine compartment.
Pull out the engine oil &
transmission fluid dipsticks. See if there are any signs of rust. Also, look to see if the fluid has a milky look (like
a milkshake consistency). The transmission fluid will look like a strawberry milkshake if water has gotten into the transmission.
Check the air filter and see if there is a water mark going around the outside. Water can well up inside the headlights.
Check for water trapped inside and or water marks. Look in fender wheel wells (above the tire) to see if there are deposits
of dirt and/or rust.
Look in the trunk under the spare tire and carpet for dirt, dampness,
or rust.
Open one of the car doors and remove side molding to check under carpet for
dirt, dampness, or rust.
Look for signs of rust where molding or handles are attached.
There very well could be some rust through age, but excessive rust might be a sign to look for more extensive damage.
L.C.
Aamco Builder
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