Another problem with flood damage cars is the mildew that may form inside the automobile. Although the interiors are usually changed (imagine their smell after being flooded for weeks), that doesn't mean that mildew will disappear.

Mildew is a living organism and it is incredibly difficult to kill. A single spore left behind will spawn a new colony. Usually, by the time you see the mildew it's present throughout the car, in the seat linings and door frames as well as in carpet and in the vehicle's trunk. Beyond the damage the growth causes, it can have a debilitating respiratory effect on people who suffer from allergies. You may be getting sick and have no idea that your car is the culprit.

Certainly any engine that has been submerged in water for an extended period will need a complex and expensive restoration. Any person or company trying to make a profit from a flooded car is likely to invest just enough money to get the engine running, but not enough to make sure it will function reliably over the long term.

How to Avoid Getting a Hurricane Car

The best way to avoid buying a hurricane car is to ask for a Vehicle History Report. Usually, honest car dealers give free Vehicle History Reports to their clients, so they can validate that they are buying a used car without problems. You can also go after the report yourself. Just get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and go to Carfax or Autocheck to get the information you need. There will be a small fee, but it's certainly worth it to spend a few dollars now rather than thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs later on.

Unfortunately, Vehicle History Reports are limited to those cars that were manufactured after 1981 and that were sold on the American market. If you can't get a report for the car in which you are interested, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic. If the seller refuses to allow this examination, move on to another car.

If only 10 percent of the cars flooded during Hurricane Katrina were restored, that would mean that 50,000 flood cars are in the nation's used car lots. Congress is contemplating measures to protect the consumers from buying a New Orleans used car but it will be some time before any regulations are in place. You must take your own measures to protect yourself against buying these hurricane cars. If you really want to know which vehicles are flood damage cars, ask for a Vehicle History Report or call a mechanic. It will cost you a bit, but, in the long run, it will save you money and heartache.

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Factors to Consider When You Buy Flood Damage Cars

How to Avoid Getting a Hurricane Car

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