AAA Warns Used-Car Buyers About Flood-Damaged Cars

9 May 1997

    ORLANDO, Fla., May 9 -- In the wake of severe flooding in the
upper Midwest and the Ohio River Valley, consumers need to watch out for
water-damaged vehicles on used-car lots nationwide, according to AAA.
    "Many used-car shoppers don't realize that vehicles on local car lots
could have been shipped from anywhere in the country, including areas
recovering from heavy flooding," said David Van Sickle, AAA's director of
automotive and consumer information.  "Thousands of vehicles were damaged
recently by flooding of the Red and Ohio rivers.  It's only a matter of time
until many are sold at auction and start showing up all over the country."
    Upholstery and carpeting can be cleaned or replaced, but damage to
mechanical parts can be hard to detect.  Major powertrain components such as
the engine and transmission must be serviced correctly to avoid accelerated
wear from the damaging effect of flood-water contamination.
    Many electrical and small mechanical components are tucked away in hidden
body spaces and are difficult to remove for cleaning.  These items may operate
satisfactorily at first but will almost certainly fail later because of
contact with dirty water, warned Van Sickle.
    Electronic parts such as computers and sensors frequently survive the
flood, only to fail later from corrosion and oxidation of their electrical
connections.
    Buyers are advised to check for these tell-tale signs of flood damage:

    --  The presence of dried mud in cracks and crevices under the hood or
behind trim panels inside the car; a damp or musty odor inside the vehicle or
in the trunk;
    --  new carpet or upholstery in a vehicle that is old enough to show
wear and tear;
    --  traces of water in engine, transmission or axle lubricants.

    "Never has the warning, 'buyer beware' been more important," said Van
Sickle.  "A thorough inspection by a qualified technician can reveal hidden
problems and warn of the possibility of high repair bills later."
    AAA also advises used-car buyers to check past title transactions for
flood damage or salvage designations by previous owners.  This can be done
through the state division of motor vehicles or through commercial title
checking services.
     AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing more than 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with
travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

SOURCE  American Automobile Association