Every yr, thousands of cars are damaged by floods. Many of those damaged cars are then repaired and sold at dealerships in other parts of the country. Simply does that mean y'all should ever consider buying a inundation-damaged auto? Not necessarily. In fact, when information technology comes to flooded cars, buying ane isn't worth the chance. Allow's detect out why.

Are inundation-damaged cars sold at dealerships?

Thousands of vehicles are damaged past floods every year, says Consumer Reports. And while you might think those alluvion-damaged cars wash up primarily at junkyards, that's not always the case. In fact, as it turns out, some flooded cars are repaired and resold at car dealerships in other parts of the state.

According to Consumer Reports, that'south because alluvion-damaged cars are often transported to locations where car shoppers may not be aware of what alarm signs to await for when ownership a vehicle that's been damaged in a alluvion. The problem, however, is that h2o tin ruin a vehicle's electronics, lubricants, and even its mechanical systems. And those problems? They can "haunt buyers for the life of the automobile," says Consumer Reports.

In fact, John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports' principal mechanic, recommends avoiding new or used vehicles with any sign of inundation damage "even if a vehicle looks acceptable and may be working when you lot audit it." Fortunately, spotting a flooded vehicle isn't all that difficult. Go on an eye out for telltale signs of flood damage, including wet carpets, mud, and debris in the gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood, along with whatsoever signs of rust. Consider having the car inspected by a mechanic as well.

What issues do flooded cars have?

A flooded car in a river in England
Flooded car. | Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

At that place'southward really no beating around the bush here. Flooded vehicles accept plenty of problems to contend with. In fact, according to Market Picket, the wet from flood impairment tin brusk a machine's electrical system. It can also compromise prophylactic features like airbags and anti-lock brakes. That'southward not all, either. Flooded cars can likewise develop mildew and mold, which, for many, tin can trigger everything from allergic reactions to asthma attacks.

Inundation harm can affect a vehicle'due south engine also. In fact, cars these days come equipped with thousands of wires, relays, sensors, and computers, Advance Auto Parts reports. And, every bit you might have guessed, those parts aren't designed to have on h2o. So as well much of it? It can certainly impairment the car'southward engine.

How hard is it to set a inundation-damaged machine?

A mechanic working on a car
Mechanic | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Let's say you lot come up across a flood-damaged car at your local dealership. It'due south the make and model that yous've e'er dreamed of owning and is being sold for an unbeatable cost. You may discover yourself asking how hard it is to set up a flood-damaged car? While some flooded cars are fixable, that'southward not always the instance, at least non according to HowStuffWorks.

"Rain water isn't as damaging equally salt water, and then this can testify to be a major deciding factor in choosing whether to repair your car. That being said, just experienced mechanics should be trusted with the task," explains HowStuffWorks.

However, keep in mind that if you do buy a flooded vehicle, water impairment can be pretty unpredictable. In fact, according to Chris Basso, a spokesman for Carfax, "Sooner or later that car is going to die and the last thing you desire is for that to happen while y'all're driving it. You lot've got a ticking bomb on your hands."

Should you ever buy a flood-damaged car?

If y'all're in the marketplace for a new or used vehicle and take the upkeep to buy one that hasn't been affected past a flood, then, by all means, do it. Buying a flood-damaged auto can make for a risky buy, and if you don't want to bargain with flood-related problems? Then buying a inundation-damaged vehicle isn't worth the gamble.

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