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Avoid Flooded Vehicles
If you're
ever in the market for a used vehicle, you probably know that
it's important to find a car that is both affordable and reliable,
with affordability often being the higher concern. However,
while getting a good price, you need to be sure that your
"bargain" isn't due to it having taking a swimming
course.
When
serious storms or hurricanes result in flooding, the impact
on the car market is felt nationally. Cars that may have been
totaled because of serious water damage in one state may end
up in another, without a clear indication that it was waterlogged.
A person looking at any used car must take steps to avoid
buying a car that is nearly guaranteed to needing serious
repairs soon.
Flooded
cars are often cleaned up by original owners or dishonest
dealers and sold to auto auctioneers without information about
the water damage. Such vehicles may face a laundry list of
problems such as:
- bacteria
infestation (due to damp, hidden areas)
- more
rapid rusting and corrosion
- engine
damage
- electrical
system damage
- brake,
brake pads damage
- operating
parts contamination (with dirt and other particulate matter)
In an
ideal world, the fact that a car or truck has been flooded
and cleaned or repaired should be told to prospective buyers.
However, since our world falls short of "ideal,"
you should protect yourself from buying a flood-damaged vehicle.
This can be done by asking questions and doing a little detective
work.
First,
ask the seller why the vehicle is available for sale. Sometimes
it's best to be blunt by asking whether the vehicle has ever
been in an accident or suffered flood damage. Then take a
close look at the car, being careful to spot clues that it's
been water damaged. If you write down the auto's Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN), you can use that information to find out the
vehicle's history. A number of Internet sites offer history
reports services including VHR Online and Carfax. Further,
either you or a trusted mechanic can inspect the car for the
following signs:
- A
damp or musty odor in the car's interior
- Existence
of brittle wiring casing
- Debris
beneath carpeting floor pads
- Water
line marks or silt
- Rusting
of any metal bolts, door hinges or other pieces in a car's
interior (including the car seat springs)
- Grass,
dirt or debris on a car's air filter
- Any
pooling of water or signs of rust in the trunk, spare tire
and/or car jack
- Evidence
of moisture in gauges
Be certain
to check that all electrical items such as lights, horn, radio/CDs,
turn signals and headlights operate properly. Also be on the
lookout for signs that a seller is hiding something, such
as a used car that has had carpeting or upholstery replaced
or a car that was recently painted. Other ways to protect
yourself are to insist upon a warranty, refuse to buy any
vehicle on an "as is" basis and to take the vehicle
out for a test drive.
Remember,
besides the cost of the used car, SUV, pick-up or van, you
also face the costs of registering and insuring the vehicle.
Make sure that the transaction isn't spoiled by a watery surprise.
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Martinson
Insurance
518 Hawthorne Street • PO Box 8
Alexandria, MN 56308
Phone: 320-763-6518
Toll Free: 800-757-6518
Fax: 320-763-5546
E-mail: agency@martinsoninsurance.com
Web: www.martinsoninsurance.com
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