Buying used vehicles for sale in Surrey can be tricky, especially if the car has been in a flood. Flood-damaged cars can have hidden problems that are expensive to fix.
Tips for Avoiding the Purchase of a Flood-Damaged Used Cars
Check the Vehicle History Report
- Get the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Use the VIN to get a history report from online sites, if available.
- The report shows if the car has been in a flood.
- It also tells if the car was in an accident or had damage.
- Look for signs like a “salvage title,” which means the car was badly damaged.
- A history report helps you see if the car has been repaired after flooding.
Look for Watermarks or Mud
- Check under the seats and in hidden areas like the trunk.
- Look for any mud, dirt, or stains that might have come from floodwater.
- Watermarks on the seats or door panels can be signs of flood damage.
- Check around the car’s windows and dashboard for signs of water exposure.
- If you see areas that are damp or still have mud, the car might have been flooded.
Inspect the Carpets
- Check the carpets for any stains or watermarks.
- If the carpets feel damp or sticky, it could mean the car was flooded.
- Look for any signs of mold or mildew on the carpets, which happen when water stays for a long time.
- Smell the carpets. A musty smell is a sign of water damage.
- Make sure the carpets are dry and feel normal.
Smell the Interior
- Open the doors and breathe in to smell the inside of the car.
- A musty, damp smell is a strong sign of water damage or mold.
- If the car smells like wet socks or mold, it could have been flooded.
- Flooded cars often have a strange, strong smell that regular cars don’t.
- Pay attention to any unusual odors, especially in places like the seats or carpet.
Check the Exterior for Signs of Repair
- Look closely at the car’s paint for any areas that seem different or new.
- If the paint looks fresh or uneven, the car may have been repaired after a flood.
- Check for any signs of bodywork like dents or scratches that have been fixed.
- Look at the seams and edges of the car doors, windows, and trunk.
- If these areas don’t line up correctly, it might mean the car was damaged by water.
Examine the Electrical System
- Test all the electrical parts of the car, like lights, windows, and mirrors.
- Check if the dashboard lights and air conditioning work properly.
- If any electrical parts don’t work or act strangely, it could be due to water damage.
- Floods can cause electrical problems that may not be easy to see right away.
- Be careful if the car has electrical issues, as they can be expensive to fix.
- Ask the seller if any electrical parts were fixed or replaced.
Inspect the Engine Compartment
- Open the car’s hood and check the engine area for any signs of rust or water damage.
- Look for mud, dirt, or water stains around the engine, as these can show the car was exposed to water.
- Check for rust or unusual corrosion in places where water can reach.
- If the engine looks clean but the rest of the car has signs of flood damage, it could be suspicious.
- A flooded car may have water in parts of the engine that can cause long-term damage.
Look for Rust in Unusual Areas
- Check the undercarriage, or bottom, of the car for any signs of rust.
- Rust can appear quickly if the car has been in floodwater.
- Look inside the doors, around the trunk, and near the frame for rust spots.
- Rust in these areas can mean the car was exposed to water.
- Pay attention to any rust that looks fresh or unusual, as it might have been hidden during cleaning.
Test the Air Conditioning and Heating
- Turn on the air conditioning and heating to make sure they work properly.
- If the air doesn’t blow cold or hot, it could be a sign of water damage.
- Flooded cars can have issues with the air system because water can get into the ducts or parts.
- Listen for any strange noises when you turn on the air conditioning or heating.
- A strange smell or weak airflow can also be signs of flood damage.
Get a Professional Inspection
- If you’re unsure about the used cars for sale in Calgary, take it to a trusted mechanic for a full inspection.
- A mechanic can check for hidden signs of flood damage that you might miss.
- They will look at the engine, electrical parts, and other areas for water damage.
- The mechanic can also check the car’s frame and structure for any signs of repairs or rust.
- Even if the car seems fine, it’s always a good idea to have an expert check it.
