
Beware of buying flood-damaged vehicles
Once an engine gets waterlogged, it’s almost impossible to ever make it right. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers will buy these salvage cars at auction and resell them to unsuspecting buyers across the state and nation. Here’s what to do if that used car deal looks too good to be true.
1. Look for signs of water damage ie stains, smells, rust. Looking under mats and chairs.
2. Check the title. When a vehicle is declared a total loss, the title must be changed to a salvage title.
3. Check the vin
The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free service on its website called VINCheck. Enter the vehicle identification number, and NICB’s database will show if that vehicle has been stolen or listed as a total loss.
4. Have a mechanic look it over
5. Check used boats and RVs.
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