Hurricane Katrina brings new hazards to the used car market, not only in the Gulf States region affected by floodwater, but across the nation as well.
The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes up significantly and along with high demand and low volume, it is likely the price will also increase for used cars in the affected market area.
While a vast majority of the vehicles will be considered a "Total Loss" by insurance companies and scrapped, there are still hundreds if not thousands that will be back in the market place for resale purposes.
Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged flood vehicles and sell at auctions across the country, leaving unsuspecting buyers at risk of purchasing a vehicle that has been damaged by Katrina.
Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most serious and costly types of damage. The long-term effects of corroded electronic parts and wiring can be devastating and almost impossible to correct and repair.
Here are few tell tale signs and basic tips consumers can take to minimize the risk of purchasing a vehicle with flood damage.
Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave grass and debris around the radiator, underneath around the frame, front and rear suspension components, etc.
Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, rear firewall area, and even inside door pockets of the door panels and interior trim areas.
Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding underneath the carpet.
Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion
Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly underneath where water has been standing.
Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that there may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet padding.
Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors and wiring.
With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can minimize the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that has potential long term effects by water damage.
Usedcarwise.com offers a comprehensive "how to" course designed to educate the average consumer on protecting themselves when used car shopping.
For more information visit the web site at www.usedcarwise.com or call toll free 1 866 374 WISE (9473).
CEO and president of www.usedcarwise.com.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- High Risk Car Insurance for High Risk Drivers
- Ways To Get Cheaper " High Risk " Car Insurance
- High Risk Auto Insurance - High Risk Car Insurance For Cheap
- Car Security Tips
- Why Sports Cars Cost More To Insure
- Finding Cheap Car Insurance in South Africa
- Your Best Car Insurance Quote - 3 Things To Do Before You Shop
- How Car Insurance Rates are Determined
Car that come OEM with xenon headlights
By: faisal farrukh | 03/01/2010Car that come OEM with xenon headlights are all that you see with couple of times brighter lights and lasts longer than average contemporary and incandescent lights.
Improve car headlights
By: faisal farrukh | 03/01/2010Improve your car headlights for better driving experience. Improve your car headlights to dazzle the eyes of all gazers. Improve your car headlights to stand alone with an impression that keeps everybody nodding your car.
Advantage of buying xenon headlights
By: faisal farrukh | 03/01/2010Let us first understand how the xenon headlights work. Xenon headlights are high intensity discharge (HID) of lights that emit the inner xenon gas creating arc with lower electron release once electrified.
How to replace car headlights
By: faisal farrukh | 03/01/2010The call to replace car headlights can come to your mind for various reasons. You may be experiencing too much energy consumption by your headlights. You may find yourself fall behind the race of stylist car possession.
Types of xenon headlights
By: faisal farrukh | 03/01/2010There are a total of seven types of xenon headlights. Each of these headlights are varying on the colors of light that the bulb is emitting. Total seven colors of light one can get from different pieces of xenon lights.
Understanding the Heavy Vehicle Tax
By: James Druman | 02/01/2010A breakdown of the heavy vehicle use tax: what it is, how it is calcualted, and where the money goes.
4 Steps to Purchasing a Used Car
By: Tom Tessin | 02/01/2010Buying a used car can be a challenge if you don't know what you're doing. When you step foot either on a used car lot, or maybe you're just going to go out and buy from a private seller, you're going to find that many are out there to get...
Heavy Vehicle Tax: Navigating the E-filing Option Excise Form 2290
By: James Druman | 02/01/2010The e-file option for the Heavy Vehicle Tax offer convenience for truckers.
5 Easy Steps to Buying a Used Automobile
By: Jerry Christopher | 20/10/2005 | AutomotiveAre you looking to buy a used automobile for the first time? Are you concerned about making the right choice? Yes, it's true that a car's value will decrease the second you drive it off the lot, all the more so with a brand new vehicle.
Get Wise !!
By: Jerry Christopher | 10/09/2005 | AutomotiveOf home, a consumer can learn how to check for a variety of signs that suggest a car has been damaged, improperly maintained or even wrecked. Everyone has at least one.