| Hurricane Katrina brings new hazards to the used car market, notonly in the Gulf States region affected by floodwater, butacross the nation as well. The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes upsignificantly and along with high demand and low volume, it islikely the price will also increase for used cars in theaffected market area. While a vast majority of the vehicles will be considered a"Total Loss" by insurance companies and scrapped, there arestill hundreds if not thousands that will be back in the marketplace for resale purposes. Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged flood vehicles andsell at auctions across the country, leaving unsuspecting buyersat risk of purchasing a vehicle that has been damaged by Katrina. Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most serious and costlytypes of damage. The long-term effects of corroded electronicparts and wiring can be devastating and almost impossible tocorrect and repair. Here are few tell tale signs and basic tips consumers can taketo minimize the risk of purchasing a vehicle with flood damage. Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave grass anddebris around the radiator, underneath around the frame, frontand rear suspension components, etc. Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, rearfirewall area, and even inside door pockets of the door panelsand interior trim areas. Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding underneaththe carpet. Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly underneath wherewater has been standing. Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the vehiclehas sat overnight, this is an indication that there may be waterunderneath the carpet and or carpet padding. Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors andwiring. With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can minimize the riskof spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that has potentiallong term effects by water damage. Usedcarwise.com offers a comprehensive "how to" course designedto educate the average consumer on protecting themselves whenused car shopping. For more information visit the web site at www.usedcarwise.comor call toll free 1 866 374 WISE (9473). |
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