Tips to Find Flood Damage in a Used Car
If you’re looking to sell your used car for cash in Honolulu, you will likely be in the market for another vehicle to drive at some point. Many people prefer to buy pre-owned cars today, considering the high price of a brand new car. If you go this route, you want to make sure the vehicle doesn’t have any flood damage. You can ask the dealer, but that doesn’t always mean you will get the truth! Here are a few tips to help you.
Inspect the car for rust and dried mud. Look beneath the seats and carpet, in the trunk and glove compartment, console, under the dashboard, everywhere you can access. Rust is a bad sign; if you find it, you will want to steer clear of the vehicle.
Look for signs of moisture. Metal components that are normally shiny often show signs of corrosion or rust damage when a car has been submerged in water. From door jambs and exposed bolts to the springs beneath the seats, all-metal surfaces should be checked for signs of moisture damage. A vehicle that has been in a flood may have moisture or debris in the glove compartment or be trapped behind the plastic lenses on the instrument panel. Also, make sure the instrument panel is working as it should.
Look for the obvious. Does the upholstery or carpet look stained, faded, or discolored? Carpet that’s a different color from the interior or that’s loose could indicate it has been replaced, so you’ll want to know why. Many vehicles that have been underwater have a water line that’s distinguishable, so look at the trunk, engine, kick plates, and other areas closely.
If after all your effort you can’t be sure if the vehicle has any flood damage, take it to a mechanic you trust who can check it out thoroughly and determine if the car has been submerged in water and if so, what the extent of the damage is.
At CarMark Hawaii we buy used cars for cash in Honolulu, however, we also like to help out our neighbors by providing helpful tips when we can. If you are wanting to sell your used vehicle quickly and have cash in hand at the end of the day, count on our team of friendly professionals!
