Buying a used car from Wexford Honda can be a great investment that will save you a ton of money over the long run compared to buying a brand new car and losing money due to depreciation.  But, what happens when that great used car you just took home starts to get a little suspicious?  There are tons of skeletons that can be hiding in that Honda Longview used car, and the dealership truly might not have been aware of the problem.  One of the worst things you could possibly find out about your used Toyota Bastrop vehicle is that it was damaged in a flood.  Water damage results in so many problems that you should either bring out your checkbook now for the repairs or plan on selling it quick!

The very first thing you will want to do is get a car history report of some sort.  CARFAX is becoming very popular and any vehicle that was damaged in a flood is supposed to be reported by law.  These history reports are also known as a VIN Report or a VIN Check.  You might think that the likelihood of you coming across a cleverly disguised flood damaged vehicle is slim to none, but think about all the floods that happen in the central states and the hurricanes in the south.  Not all of these vehicles make it to the junkyard, and you’d be amazed what new carpet can hide.

Most used car buyers know to be cautious and inspect their car with a fine tooth comb.  However, you can’t climb inside the engine to see how much of the electrical components show signs of water damage.  You will want to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before agreeing to purchase it.  In the mean time, there are a few things that the rest of us untrained people can be on the look out for when it comes to spotting flood damaged vehicles.  If the vehicle is old and the exterior is not immaculate yet you see brand new upholstery on the inside, that is a red flag.  Look at trunk latches and door hinges to see if there is any rust, and also take a peek under the pedals to see if any rust has developed there. Lastly, trust your gut.  If you smell mold or dampness, then you might want to walk away from the deal.