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