Monday, June 1, 2015

Buyers Beware: JeffCars.com's Tips To Avoid Buying A Flood-Damaged Vehicle



Thousands of vehicles are expected to be disbursed around the country and could possibly appear as a ready to sell used vehicle, when in fact, they could be damaged goods.

Flood-damaged vehicles for the most part are worth about 40 percent less than the actual book value, the amount a non-damaged vehicle usually sells for on the used car market. 

So, to ensure that you’re not left holding the bag, paying too much for a flood-damaged vehicle or to literally steer clear of a flood-damaged vehicle, here are several tips to help navigate the inspection process. In fact, this process is useful for any used car purchase, not just flood-damaged vehicles. 




1.          Access the government databaseThe National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which helps protect used car buyers from buying a vehicle with a salvaged or scrapped title. There could be a fee to access the report. Making this short-term investment now could cost less on the front end, as opposed to investing a sum of your hard earnings to what could be a sinking ship (or in your case a vehicle) on the back end.

2.          Examine the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) report for free to determine if the vehicle has been classified as stolen or salvage.

3.          Retrieve a vehicle history report from AutoCheck.com. Reports from range from $29.99 to $59.99. Reports from CarFax costs more.

4.          Check for water damage. Look underneath the carpet. Check for a water ring around the sunroof. Look for rust underneath the seats and in the glove box. Also check for any odd odors. These could be signs of a food-damaged vehicle.

5.          Check under the hood and underneath the vehicle for mud or rust.

6.          Take the vehicle to a reputable new-vehicle dealership for an examination, checking the electrical wiring, too. It’s actually worth paying from $100 to $200 to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a new-vehicle franchised dealer, before sealing the deal.



Source: Tips Provided By JeffCars.com and SiriusXM's  "Auto Trends with JeffCars.com."

24 comments:

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Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

When buying a used vehicle, it’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with flood-damaged cars, especially in the aftermath of hurricanes or heavy storms. Flood damage can significantly affect a vehicle's safety and reliability, often causing electrical and mechanical issues that may not be immediately visible. JeffCars.com provides crucial tips for potential buyers to avoid these risks, such as checking the vehicle's history, looking for signs of water damage, and having a trusted mechanic inspect the car.
If you're in the market for used vehicles, particularly from large inventories like fleetsworld , it’s even more important to follow these precautions to ensure you’re getting a safe and well-maintained vehicle. Be sure to do your research to avoid the costly mistake of purchasing a flood-damaged car.

Emily Baul said...

Buying a flood-damaged vehicle can be a costly mistake, but with the right tips, you can avoid it. JeffCars.com recommends checking for water stains, unusual odors, and inspecting the vehicle history report. Always be cautious when the deal seems too good to be true! On a separate note, if you’re also managing educational responsibilities, you can always take my ged test and get help balancing your academic goals while making informed decisions about other areas of your life

Amelia Hedge said...
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Amelia Hedge said...

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Freya Parker said...

Very informative post! It’s important for buyers to stay cautious, especially after floods when many damaged vehicles enter the market. These tips are practical and easy to follow, helping people make smarter decisions before investing in a used car. I work with companies that purchase all types of cars, and we always stress the importance of checking vehicle history before buying.

Alec Johnson said...

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Harry Corser said...

This is a very informative post highlighting an issue many buyers overlook when purchasing used vehicles. Flood damage can cause long-term mechanical and electrical problems that aren’t visible at first glance, making proper inspection essential. In our work at cash for cars in Melbourne, we often come across vehicles with hidden water damage, so spreading awareness like this helps buyers make smarter, safer choices.

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Pista Bela said...

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Della said...

Great article! Flood-damaged cars can be a real nightmare for unsuspecting buyers, and your tips are spot on for helping people avoid costly mistakes. I especially like how you emphasized checking the vehicle history and getting a trusted mechanic’s inspection before buying. As someone interested in car disposal adelaide services, I know how important it is to properly identify and handle damaged vehicles before they end up back on the market. Thanks for sharing such valuable advice!

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I really appreciate how you explained the red flags to watch out for when buying a used car, especially the detailed tips on spotting flood-damaged vehicles. Many buyers overlook these warning signs and end up paying for costly repairs later. As someone who deals with the used car market, I can’t stress enough how important these checks are — even reputable services like best cash for cars brisbane emphasize proper inspections before any purchase. Thanks for sharing such practical advice!

We Buy Cars for Cash said...

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This article gives great insight into the hidden risks of buying flood-damaged vehicles, which many people underestimate. Proper inspection and checking a car’s history can save buyers from costly mistakes later. In our work at cash for old cars Townsville, we often see vehicles affected by water damage that look fine on the outside but have serious internal issues. Posts like this help educate buyers to make safer and more informed decisions.

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