Buying or selling a car after a disaster

NOTE: Before we move on to discuss these warning signs, it’s important to note that this information extends beyond those who have suffered from a natural disaster. As we discussed earlier, it’s common practice for flood-damaged vehicles to wind up several states away fooling unsuspecting buyers. Therefore, the following guidelines are helpful whether or not you have experienced a natural disaster.

• Check the VIN.The National Automobile Dealers Associationsuggests checking the vehicle’s title history using the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VinCheck or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. (The vehicle identification number — or VIN — is located on the driver’s side dashboard; it may take a little searching to locate.

• Inspect the interior. Examine the interior of the vehicle for any signs of water damage, as well as dirt or grit from possible flooding.
• Look for residue. Check the carpets and floor mats, under the seats, the glove compartment, armrest, storage areas, and dashboard for sand or dirt residue.
• Look for a mixture of old and new. Does the car’s interior look “newer” than the vehicle itself? This could signal that carpet, upholstery, and headliners have been replaced.
• Assess the carpets. Has the car’s interior been recently shampooed? Or does it have new carpet? Liquid can remain in car upholstery for a notoriously long time, so make sure to feel the seats and floors for moisture.

• Look for stains. Check for water residue on and under carpets, and look for stains or discoloration.
• Check for fading. Pay careful attention to the upholstery and door panels. Are they faded?
• Use your nose. Is there a musty smell in the vehicle carpet and/or the trunk? Do you see evidence of mold or mildew anywhere? Or does the vehicle smell strongly of disinfectant or air freshener, as if someone was trying to mask a smell?
• Go through the console. In the interior, do you see rust in places where water should not reach (such as the console)?
• Look at hardware underneath. Hidden spots beneath the seats may reveal rusted screws or bolts, indicating water damage.
• Investigate the seats. Does it look like the seats have been removed? In order to clean and remove carpet, the seats of the vehicle must be removed.

• Use your ears. Is there a sound when the seats are moved back and forth that may be a result of dirt or sand in the tracks?
• Test the basic functions. Put the key in the ignition and check to see if the turn signals, dome lighting, wipers, and cigarette lighter work. Turn on the ignition and test the radio, air conditioning and heating systems, plus power door locks and windows. 
• Examine extra technology. Check the dashboard, console, and doors to see whether the car’s technology is in working order, such as speakers and driver-assistance features.
• Check it twice. When you’re satisfied, check the interior functions all over again. Some problems might not present themselves at first glance or only happen intermittently.
• Scrutinize the drain plugs. Have any of the rubber drain plugs been removed from the bottoms of the doors? This may have been done to drain water from the car.

• Examine the lights. Check for fogging of the headlights and taillights. Check interior lights for moisture and condensation.
• Open the hood and check for mud. Inspect for water lines inside lights, grime or mud buildup on upholstery or carpet, and musty odors, as well.
• Review the electrical wiring. Are there any signs of rust on metal wires, or do wires appear brittle? Do you see any water damage to the insulation or cloth covers? This might be especially apparent in the bundles of wires that run inside wiring harnesses.
• Search for rust. Check for any evidence of rust under the hood, throughout the exhaust system, and on the undercarriage. 

• Check the oil. If you can see into the crankcase or the oil fill tube, check to see if there’s water mixed in with the oil. 
• Beware the air. Check the vehicle’s air filter for discoloration, deterioration, or other signs of water damage.
• Look under the spare. Remove the spare tire from the trunk and check for standing water or signs of damage.
• Inspect the paint. Is there any bubbling in the car’s paint (especially in hidden areas)?

This exhaustive list should help you be able to tell if a vehicle you’re considering has been through a flood. Furthermore, rather than trying to check all these things yourself, consider having the vehicle inspected by a professional.