When buying a used vehicle, take the recent weather into consideration.
Heavy storms are all the more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales. Cars damaged by floodwaters such as those resulting from rainstorms in California and other states can sometimes find their way to other states, commonly Arizona, to be sold.
If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But, scammers fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.
Flood-damaged vehicles that have been “dressed up” are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.
Potential buyers should remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles, closely inspect the vehicle, don’t sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right (literally and figuratively).
Arizona Department of Transportation recommends buyers follow these guidelines:
- Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Scammers usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
- Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also, check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. If possible, ask an auto mechanic you trust to check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.
Don’t lose your money! Walk away if you see any of these red flags.
A buyer can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “nonrepairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.
Visit the MVD (Arizona Motor Vehicle Division) website for more information about buying or selling a vehicle.
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Thank you, RV Travel. Good to be reminded of this; thank you! 🙂
Not bad article
A lot of these flood damaged vehicles are brought up to the northern states to be sold. They are cleaned up and advertised as “southern” cars. Since they have not been exposed snow, ice and road salt they seem like an ideal purchase.
“Title washing” is a thing. Move the car to another state with more lenient rules, get the title changed from “Salvaged” to “Rebuilt,” for example. Be extra wary of a car that has been registered in a couple of states other than yours.
When Houston floods, for example, the cars end up all over the country. The salt/brackish water is not good for the electricals in the car.
Very good article-thanks! I wonder if other states have websites like that?
Another concern is turning the odometer back, but ordering over state lines it is difficult to remedy.
we just got over a scam that we learned plenty from. lost 5600 cash and got a car we couldnt smog to change the title.. took the loss but the best part was taking it back and parking it close to where the owner lives. kept the altered title and the key. good luck to him when it starts getting parking tickets and/or towed and impounded.