This is how you can avoid buying a flood-damaged used car

As we’re only halfway through the hurricane season, it might be a good time to review the basics of how to avoid buying a flood-damaged used car. The most important thing to understand is the fact, that no good can come from flood damage. Cars today are rolling computer systems, laden with electronics, from engine control units to airbag circuitry to the heaters in your seats. That alone makes for serious trouble when a car has been immersed — engine, mechanical and body issues aside. And even if a vehicle looks or performs well now, that might not be the case a year or two from now when corrosion sets in. Here is some advice for anyone buying a used car in the coming months:

1. Check: Is the car from out of state? Cars are often transported away from flood zones to areas where there is less awareness of the issue. Which is smart, right? A couple of months from now, you’ll have forgotten all about the hurricanes. Carfax offers a free flood damage check, based partly on where the car has previously been registered.

2. Check under the hood. Does the crankcase oil look properly clear or dark? Or is it more the color of chocolate milk? Read more