10-04-2005, 01:42 PM
I found this articule in thought it might be usefull to any of us who are thinking of buying a *used model * it wont take the con artists long to spruse A model up and ship it to another state to be bought a unknowing customer .
there are over 500 thousand vehicles damaged by katrina ive no doubt some wil find there way to everybodies local *used car dealership *
When Buying a Used Car, Beware of Flooded Cars Damaged by Hurricanes
How To Tell If a Car Has Been In a Flood
If you're in the market for a used car this year, beware flood-damaged cars that have been declared a total loss by insurance companies following the flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Experts estimate that as many as half a million cars submerged in the toxic waters around New Orleans alone will be "totaled" by insurance companies and then sold at auction. Some salvage operators and dealers will clean up the cars and resell them, trying to hide the fact that the cars have been damaged in a flood. Many of these cars are shipped far from the original flooded area, so don't assume a car you're looking at couldn't be a flooded car just because you don't live near a recently flooded area. Be especially cautious if the sales price seems like a real bargain.
Potential problems with flooded cars include
* Electrical system failure
* Transmission failure
* Anti-lock brake system failure
* Airbag failure
* Mold and musty smell
* Rust
To avoid being a victim, follow this advice
* Have the car thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic.
* Run a search on Carfax.com to obtain a history of the car you're considering purchasing. Some car sellers will pay for a Carfax report, but if not, you can do it yourself. All you need is the vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard. The cost is $19.99 for one car or $24.99 for unlimited reports.
* Inspect the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for sand, mud, rust, or other signs of water damage. Look for water marks around the engine, on the floor, and behind the dashboard.
* Check the upholstery and carpeting closely, looking for discoloration, fading, or staining that could indicate water damage. Be suspicious of carpeting or upholstery that doesn't match the interior or doesn't fit properly, indicating that it may have been replaced.
* Thoroughly test all warning lights, gauges, interior and exterior lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, radio, heating and air conditioning to make sure all are operational.
* Sniff around the interior of the car to check for damp or musty odors caused by mildew.
Taking these precautions before buying a used car could save you many headaches and a lot of money.
there are over 500 thousand vehicles damaged by katrina ive no doubt some wil find there way to everybodies local *used car dealership *
When Buying a Used Car, Beware of Flooded Cars Damaged by Hurricanes
How To Tell If a Car Has Been In a Flood
If you're in the market for a used car this year, beware flood-damaged cars that have been declared a total loss by insurance companies following the flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Experts estimate that as many as half a million cars submerged in the toxic waters around New Orleans alone will be "totaled" by insurance companies and then sold at auction. Some salvage operators and dealers will clean up the cars and resell them, trying to hide the fact that the cars have been damaged in a flood. Many of these cars are shipped far from the original flooded area, so don't assume a car you're looking at couldn't be a flooded car just because you don't live near a recently flooded area. Be especially cautious if the sales price seems like a real bargain.
Potential problems with flooded cars include
* Electrical system failure
* Transmission failure
* Anti-lock brake system failure
* Airbag failure
* Mold and musty smell
* Rust
To avoid being a victim, follow this advice
* Have the car thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic.
* Run a search on Carfax.com to obtain a history of the car you're considering purchasing. Some car sellers will pay for a Carfax report, but if not, you can do it yourself. All you need is the vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard. The cost is $19.99 for one car or $24.99 for unlimited reports.
* Inspect the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for sand, mud, rust, or other signs of water damage. Look for water marks around the engine, on the floor, and behind the dashboard.
* Check the upholstery and carpeting closely, looking for discoloration, fading, or staining that could indicate water damage. Be suspicious of carpeting or upholstery that doesn't match the interior or doesn't fit properly, indicating that it may have been replaced.
* Thoroughly test all warning lights, gauges, interior and exterior lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, radio, heating and air conditioning to make sure all are operational.
* Sniff around the interior of the car to check for damp or musty odors caused by mildew.
Taking these precautions before buying a used car could save you many headaches and a lot of money.