BBB Tip of the Week: Watch out for scammers trying to sell flooddamaged
Better Business Bureau Northwest and Pacific is warning consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian that flood-damaged vehicles will be popping up at auto auctions, used car dealerships and in classified ads. Unsuspecting car enthusiasts, particularly those living in regions of the country unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, can be led astray by fresh upholstery, new carpeting and bargain prices.
After the owners of damaged cars settle with their insurance companies, vehicles are sometimes refurbished and resold. Flooded cars are often transported well beyond their original region after major storms to locations where consumers may be less aware of 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.
Among many possible mechanical problems faced by flooded cars, corrosion can take years to surface. And later it can cause electrical and mechanical problems. By the time the problems become apparent, the seller is gone and the new owner is left with an unreliable vehicle with no recourse against the seller.
BBB has the following tips for car shoppers to determine if a used car is flood-damaged:
Ask to see the title. Check the date and place of transfer to see if the car came from a flood-damaged state and if the title is stamped “salvage.” If you are still suspicious, purchase a vehicle history report of the vehicle, which should tell you if a car has ever been tagged as “salvage” or “flood damaged” in any state.
Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to make sure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for indications that the dashboard may have been removed.
Check the electronic components. Test the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work. Also, flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack.
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.
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 may not match the interior color.
Get a vehicle history report from a database service. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free database lists flood damage and other information. But take note: NICB reports are only helpful if the car was insured.
Remember to check under the hood. Look for standing water, mud or grit in the spare tire wheel well or around the engine compartment.
Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign that someone’s trying to mask a mold or odor problem.
Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB Business Profile of the dealer at bbb.org.
Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, you should get a prepurchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.