Hurricane Sandy and The Used Car Market

Now that we’ve made it to the one year mark since Hurricane Sandy, you will see more and more of the storm-damaged vehicles making their way back to the used car market.  Please be sure to check out that used vehicle carefully before purchasing, and use the free CarFax flood damage check  or National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VINcheck as your first step to considering your purchase of a used vehicle.

There are other ways to spot a flood-damaged vehicle as well:

–  Check the upholstery and carpeting closely; if the color seems off and doesn’t match the interior, discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.  Look for loose or ill-fitted carpeting.

–  Look for signs of mud, salt, silt, or moisture on the interior, including the
dashboard.

–  Look for signs of mud or silt on the exterior, including the wheel wells. Look even closer for moisture or water lines on the lights.

–  Lift the hood (of course) and look closely for any signs that the car took a swim.  Better yet, take the vehicle to a reputible mechanic to check it out.  If the dealer gives you a hard time about doing so, walk away.

You know the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”.   Don’t let one of these flood-damaged cars damage your wallet.

your SZW Team