| Hurricane Katrina brings new hazards to the used car | | | | grass and debris around the radiator, underneath |
| market, not only in the Gulf States region affected by | | | | around the frame, front and rear suspension |
| floodwater, but across the nation as well. | | | | components, etc. |
| The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes | | | | Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, |
| up significantly and along with high demand and low | | | | rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets of the |
| volume, it is likely the price will also increase for used | | | | door panels and interior trim areas. |
| cars in the affected market area. | | | | Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding |
| While a vast majority of the vehicles will be considered | | | | underneath the carpet. |
| a "Total Loss" by insurance companies and scrapped, | | | | Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion |
| there are still hundreds if not thousands that will be | | | | Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly |
| back in the market place for resale purposes. | | | | underneath where water has been standing. |
| Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged | | | | Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the |
| flood vehicles and sell at auctions across the country, | | | | vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that there |
| leaving unsuspecting buyers at risk of purchasing a | | | | may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet |
| vehicle that has been damaged by Katrina. | | | | padding. |
| Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most | | | | Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors |
| serious and costly types of damage. The long-term | | | | and wiring. |
| effects of corroded electronic parts and wiring can be | | | | With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can |
| devastating and almost impossible to correct and | | | | minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a |
| repair. | | | | vehicle that has potential long term effects by water |
| Here are few tell tale signs and basic tips consumers | | | | damage. |
| can take to minimize the risk of purchasing a vehicle | | | | offers a comprehensive "how to" course designed to |
| with flood damage. | | | | educate the average consumer on protecting |
| Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave | | | | themselves when used car shopping. |