Chamcook Posted October 17, 2022 Report Share Posted October 17, 2022 We are planning to sell our old car in December and buy a used one in Bushnell Florida. Does anyone have any advice on a reputable dealer, an outside mechanic to check out a car, or any other tips on how to avoid buying a car with hidden flood damages? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted October 19, 2022 Report Share Posted October 19, 2022 Flood damage cannot be completely removed, even though carpeting, seats, etc have been replaced. Use a mechanics inspection mirror and bright light to see under/behind the dash. dried mud/dirt will normally be present. Even though a previously flooded vehicle has been restored, salt water will continue to cause electronic and computer problems until a vehicle reaches end-of-life. Personally, to be safe I would insist on a document signed by the actual owner that the vehicle has never been exposed to high water, and they guarantee a full-refund if proved wrong. Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chamcook Posted October 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 Thanks for the great advice! I am hoping that we can avoid some of the risks I have been hearing about by buying a certified car through a licensed dealer, but I think I will get the mirror you have described to check up on what they claim is the car’s history. Thanks! Chamcook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Check out differentials for moisture or even water floating. When we lived in the Northeast it was a big problem with shady wholesalers and fly by night dealers. They would haul them out of the flooded area to relocate them too unsuspecting buyers. Probably don't need to worry about Tesla's as they burn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted October 22, 2022 Report Share Posted October 22, 2022 It won't be just Florida. The dealers will be selling out of state to other dealers and wholesalers. Quote RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted October 23, 2022 Report Share Posted October 23, 2022 RV, you are correct We lived in Penna. before going fulltime. They would appear at car lots following floods anywhere in the South. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGO Posted October 23, 2022 Report Share Posted October 23, 2022 Yeah, and here's the other side of the story- we live near (UGH) Baltimore, and I worked in the insurance industry as what you would call a "Reinspector". The joke was, when a major storm was approaching the coast all the tow trucks would be seen taking cars with blown engines to Ocean City........................... Quote You'd have to see the movie to understand.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted October 24, 2022 Report Share Posted October 24, 2022 (edited) I saw it in post Katrina Louisiana as we were in the NW corner unaffected but cars from the flood were being sold everywhere. We did rescues for three days starting the day after. The flood waters receded not an inch in that time and I understand it was weeks before it started to be dry. Many folks think a few feet of water receding in less than a day. I have a hundred or so pics I took from our boat and here is one from our day two the third day after Katrina hit. This was a neighborhood between Tulane Ave and Canal Street between downtown and the Causeway overpass over the Jefferson Parish Sheriff substation. Edited October 24, 2022 by RV_ Quote RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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