Use CARE to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Car, According to NADAguides.com

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 24 -- Due to recent flooding in the Midwest and the fact that hurricane season is officially here with Hurricane Dolly making landfall yesterday, there will be many flood-damaged cars sold to unsuspecting buyers. During Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, for example, NADA estimates that 500,000 vehicles that had their titles branded as flood- or storm-damaged lost those designations, after being repaired and re-titled in another state.

NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, offers tips using the acronym CARE to help consumers easily remember how to avoid purchasing a flood-damaged car.

Carpet

Pay attention to moldy smells inside the car and lift the carpet to check for residue or stain marks. "A strong odor, air freshener or cleaning fluid could also be a sign the seller is trying to hide a telltale odor," says Tara Baukus Mello, senior writer and lead market analyst at NADAguides.com. "Be suspicious of newly-installed carpets or upholstery on newer model cars."

AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports

A vehicle history report can tell you if a car has been branded Flood, Hail, Lemon, Rebuilt or Reconstructed, among other words or symbols, which could indicate flood-related damage. It also notes where and how many times the car has been titled. This information remains on the report for the life of the vehicle.

"Even if you don't live in an area that's been affected by a flood, cars can be repaired and shipped across state lines where titles can lose flood-damaged designations," said Baukus Mello. Consumers can easily order an Auto Check(R) vehicle history report that highlights this information when they are researching car prices at NADAguides.com.

Rust and Residue

Check for dirt buildup in unusual areas inside the car. Inspect for rust inside and outside the car in areas where water typically wouldn't reach. Pay attention to rust or flaking metal on the undercarriage of the car too. Be concerned if you notice corrosion, water marks or a thin brown line on the exterior of the vehicle.

Electric

Check to see if the car's electrical system works and be sure to perform an inspection of the electrical wiring system, looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.

"Be on the lookout for people trying to sell a vehicle without revealing its history," said Baukus Mello. "All too often, flood-damaged cars that are structurally or mechanically unsafe are repaired, re-titled and sold to unsuspecting consumers."

While these inspection tips won't detect flood damage in every case, Baukus Mello says they're a great place to start. She strongly advises car buyers to solicit the help of a certified mechanic to perform a detailed vehicle inspection prior to any used car purchase.

About NADAguides.com

NADAguides.com is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, personal watercraft, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and manufactured housing. At NADAguides.com (www.NADAguides.com), consumers have access to a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information.