Following each major flood, scam artists try and pawn off flooded vehicles as commonplace secondhand cars. within the aftermath of cyclone Dorian, flood-damaged vehicles are going to be taking drugs at motor vehicle auctions, used automobile dealerships and in commercials. Unsuspecting customers, notably those living in regions of the country unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, area unit diode wide by recent upholstery, new floor cover, and discount costs.
After the house owners of broken cars settle with their insurance firms, vehicles area unit generally refurbished and resold. Flooded cars area unit usually transported well on the far side their original region once major storms to locations wherever customers is also less awake to what warning signs to appear for. Sometimes, a middleman emptor purposely hides a car’s history as a flood-damaged vehicle through a method referred to as “title washing” ANd sells it to an unsuspecting emptor during a state unaffected by the disaster. Among several doable mechanical issues round-faced by flooded cars, corrosion will take years to surface later which will cause electrical and mechanical issues. By the time they become apparent, the vendor is gone, and also the new owner is left with AN unreliable vehicle in conjunction with no recourse against the vendor.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges used automobile patrons to use caution of unscrupulous businesses and people World Health Organization could try and sell flood-damaged cars as commonplace secondhand cars, while not revealing the vehicles’ history.
BBB has the subsequent tips for motor vehicle shoppers to see if a second hand automobile is flood-damaged:
Ask to ascertain the title. Check the date and place of transfer to ascertain if the automobile came from a flood-damaged state and if the title is sealed “salvage.” If you're still suspicious, purchase a vehicle history report of the vehicle, that ought to tell you if a automobile has ever been labeled as “salvage” or “flood damaged” in any state.
Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to make sure they are accurate, and there are no signs of water. Look for indications that the dashboard may have been removed.
Check the electronic components. Test the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater, and air conditioner several times to make sure they work. Also, flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack since wet wires become brittle upon drying.
Check the interior spaces. Look in the trunk, glove compartment, and beneath the seats and dash for signs of mud, rust or water damage. Check for open drainage holes in the bottom of the vehicle.
Check the condition of the fabrics. Look for discolored, faded or mildewed upholstery and carpeting. Recently shampooed carpets may be cause for concern. Carpeting that has been replaced may fit too loosely or may not match the interior color.
Get a vehicle history report from a database service. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) free database lists flood damage and other information. But take note: NICB reports are only helpful if the car was insured. If the owner of an uninsured flood-damaged car tries to sell it on the open market and you’re the buyer, you may never know there’s a problem until things like the electrical system go bad.
Remember to check under the hood. Look for standing water, mud or grit in the spare tire wheel well or around the engine compartment under the hood.
Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign that someone’s trying to mask a mold or odor problem.
Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB Business Profile of the dealer at bbb.org.
Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, you should get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
Source whnt.com
Post a Comment
Post a Comment