| The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes | | | | grass and debris around the radiator, underneath |
| up significantly and along with high demand and low | | | | around the frame, front and rear suspension |
| volume, it is likely the price will also increase for used | | | | components, etc. |
| cars in the affected market area. | | | | Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, |
| While a vast majority of the vehicles will be | | | | rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets of |
| considered a "Total Loss" by insurance companies | | | | the door panels and interior trim areas. |
| and scrapped, there are still hundreds if not | | | | Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding |
| thousands that will be back in the market place for | | | | underneath the carpet. |
| resale purposes. | | | | Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion |
| Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged | | | | Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly |
| flood vehicles and sell at auctions across the country, | | | | underneath where water has been standing. |
| leaving unsuspecting buyers at risk of purchasing a | | | | Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after |
| vehicle that has been damaged by Katrina. | | | | the vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that |
| Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most | | | | there may be water underneath the carpet and or |
| serious and costly types of damage. The long-term | | | | carpet padding. |
| effects of corroded electronic parts and wiring can | | | | Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded |
| be devastating and almost impossible to correct and | | | | connectors and wiring. |
| repair. | | | | With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can |
| Here are a few tell tale signs and basic tips | | | | minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on |
| consumers can take to minimize the risk of | | | | a vehicle that has potential long term effects by |
| purchasing a vehicle with flood damage. | | | | water damage. |
| Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave | | | | |