There continues to be more demand than supply in the new and used car markets, brought on in large part by a semiconductor shortage and other supply chain issues.
Frustrated car shoppers might be quick to take a deal if they finally find the vehicle they’ve been looking for.
But, consumer watchdogs warn, some of those cars could have been damaged by floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
The storm caused water damage to about 212,000 cars across the country, according to an estimate by Carfax. That National Insurance Crime Bureau says reports from Ida are still coming in, but so far it has reports of more than 48,000 flood damaged vehicles from the storm. More than 25,000 are from New Jersey and another 14,000 are from New York, it said.
And before the storm hit, Carfax said there were already about 11,200 flood-damaged cars already on the road in the state.
The vehicles could saddle buyers with excessive long-term maintenance costs, watchdogs warn.
“Even though cars that have been totaled or rebuilt after a flood tend to be cheaper, you should avoid buying any flooded vehicle,” said Jacob van Cleef, consumer watchdog associate with PIRG Education Fund, which released a new guide to identify flood-damaged cars. “Even the ones that come with honest documentation could cost you a lot more in the long run.”
“When a vehicle has been flooded, the owner should say so — but unfortunately, not everyone selling a car is trustworthy, he said.
Even if you’re not a mechanic, there are many signs an average consumer can recognize.
First, PIRG said, ask the seller for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
You can check the vehicle’s history through the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VINCheck. Carfax also offers a free flood check of the car’s VIN.
Make sure the VIN on the car’s dashboard matches the number you were given.
Next, use a smell test.
“Be suspicious if there’s an air freshener in the car, and see whether you can smell anything musty or earthy in nature. Some compare the smell of mold to that of sweaty socks,” PIRG said.
You should also check under the rugs and seats for anything unusual, such as water stains or sand.
Then, take a look at any exposed metal to make sure it’s not rusting, such as uncovered screws. Peel back the rubber casings around electrical and mechanical connections.
“Materials containing iron may show signs of rust; materials containing copper may show a green residue; materials containing aluminum and alloys may show a white powder,” the National Insurance Crime Bureau said.
Look for signs of moisture buildup in the headlights and see if there’s a visible waterline left inside the car.
“On the flipside, the used car should not look like it is filled with new and clean parts. If you see that everything you check is brand new in this used car, you should check with the seller why they just replaced so much,” PIRG said. “Even if the car was cleaned heavily, the flood damage that you can’t see likely still exists, so the car should not be purchased.”
If nothing looks suspicious, take the car for a ride and see how it drives.
Finally, ask a trusted professional to take a look at the car before you make the purchase.
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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
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Buying a car? Beware of flood damaged vehicles after Hurricane Ida’s wrath. - NJ.com
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