AAA Warns Used-Car Buyers About Flood-Damaged Cars
9 May 1997
AAA Warns Used-Car Buyers About Flood-Damaged CarsORLANDO, Fla., May 9 -- In the wake of severe flooding in the upper Midwest and the Ohio River Valley, consumers need to watch out for water-damaged vehicles on used-car lots nationwide, according to AAA. "Many used-car shoppers don't realize that vehicles on local car lots could have been shipped from anywhere in the country, including areas recovering from heavy flooding," said David Van Sickle, AAA's director of automotive and consumer information. "Thousands of vehicles were damaged recently by flooding of the Red and Ohio rivers. It's only a matter of time until many are sold at auction and start showing up all over the country." Upholstery and carpeting can be cleaned or replaced, but damage to mechanical parts can be hard to detect. Major powertrain components such as the engine and transmission must be serviced correctly to avoid accelerated wear from the damaging effect of flood-water contamination. Many electrical and small mechanical components are tucked away in hidden body spaces and are difficult to remove for cleaning. These items may operate satisfactorily at first but will almost certainly fail later because of contact with dirty water, warned Van Sickle. Electronic parts such as computers and sensors frequently survive the flood, only to fail later from corrosion and oxidation of their electrical connections. Buyers are advised to check for these tell-tale signs of flood damage: -- The presence of dried mud in cracks and crevices under the hood or behind trim panels inside the car; a damp or musty odor inside the vehicle or in the trunk; -- new carpet or upholstery in a vehicle that is old enough to show wear and tear; -- traces of water in engine, transmission or axle lubricants. "Never has the warning, 'buyer beware' been more important," said Van Sickle. "A thorough inspection by a qualified technician can reveal hidden problems and warn of the possibility of high repair bills later." AAA also advises used-car buyers to check past title transactions for flood damage or salvage designations by previous owners. This can be done through the state division of motor vehicles or through commercial title checking services. AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than 1,000 offices providing more than 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services. SOURCE American Automobile Association