10 tips to avoid flood-damaged cars

The Better Business Bureau warns that flooding problems can lead to attempting to pawn off flood-damaged vehicles as standard secondhand cars. The vehicles can show up at auto auctions, used car dealerships and in classified ads.

Unsuspecting consumers, particularly those living in regions of the country unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, often are fooled by fresh upholstery, new carpeting and bargain prices.

Sometimes, a middleman buyer intentionally hides a car's history as a flood-damaged vehicle through a process known as "title washing" and sells it to an unsuspecting buyer in a state unaffected by the disaster.

Among many possible mechanical problems faced by flooded cars, corrosion can take years to eventually surface, when it can cause electrical and mechanical problems.

By the time the issues become apparent, the seller is gone and the new owner is left with an unreliable vehicle, along with no recourse against the seller.

BBB offers the following tips for car shoppers to determine if a used car is flood damaged:

Ask to see the title. Check the date and place of transfer verifying where the car came from. If the title is stamped "salvage" or arrived from a recently flood-damaged state, ask questions. Consider purchasing a vehicle history report of the vehicle, which includes information if the car has ever been tagged as "salvage" or "flood damaged" in any state.

Carefully check the dashboard. Examine all gauges to make sure they are accurate and there are no signs of water. Look for indications that the dashboard may have been removed.

Check the electronic components. Test the lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work. Also, flex some wires under the dash to see if they bend or crack since wet wires become brittle upon drying.

Check the interior spaces. Look in the trunk, glove compartment and beneath the seats and dash for signs of mud, rust or water damage. Check for open drainage holes in the bottom of the vehicle.

Check condition of the fabrics. Look for discolored, faded or mildewed upholstery and carpeting. Recently shampooed carpets may be cause for concern. Carpeting that has been replaced may fit too loosely or may not match the interior color.

Get a vehicle history report from a database service. The National Insurance Crime Bureau's free database lists flood damage and other information. But take note: NICB reports are only helpful if the car was insured.

Check under the hood. Look for standing water, mud or grit in the spare tire wheel well or around the engine compartment under the hood.

Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign there may be a mold or odor problem.

Research the dealer. Always check out the BBB Business Profile of the dealer at BBB.org.

Get an inspection. Before buying any used car, consider having a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic.

For information on buying a used car, go to bbb.org/article/tips/14088-bbb-tip-buying-a-used-car.