After the flooding that hit the metro-Detroit area Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is warning residents to be on the lookout when purchasing used vehicles, they may have flood damage.
A press release from the AG’s office says the heavy rains have likely damaged vehicles, and many of those will end up on the used car market.
“I urge anyone looking into purchasing a used vehicle in the near future to take extra time in examining their potential new car,” said Schuette. “While most auto retailers wouldn’t dare sell damaged vehicle, there are unscrupulous vendors who take advantage of the trust we place in those selling us cars.”
Water can damage important parts of vehicles including airbag sensors, brakes and the electrical system. The office also warns that the damage may not show up right away.
The release states that weeks or moths can pass before evidence of damage is know, putting the purchase past warranty and leaving the driver without a vehicle.
Schuette says to have the vehicle inspected by an independent and reliable mechanic, and to also check the vehicle’s history.
Some tell-tale signs of vehicles being submerged in water include:
- Musty or "over-perfumed" smell or signs of mold or mildew;
- Water stains, mud or residue in the trunk, under the carpet, floor mats, gas and brake pedals, and in hard-to-reach places difficult to clean;
- Title or registration histories indicating the car was in a flood area;
- Car hesitates, runs rough, or shows signs of premature rust or corrosion in places where you wouldn't expect to see rust, such as the upper door hinges, trunk latches, and screws on the console.
- Always physically inspect the vehicle's paper title before you buy. Check to see if it has been branded as "flood," "junk," "salvage," "rebuilt" or another brand indicating the vehicle was severely damaged. But beware; a clean title does not prove the car is undamaged. The title may have been ‘laundered' across state lines or altered to conceal the brand.
