CHARLOTTE — The Carolinas have among the most flood vehicles on the road right now, according to a recent CARFAX report.
They count 19,700 in North Carolina, the 6th most in the country, and 16,100 in South Carolina, the 8th most.
Now that Hurricane Isaias has come and gone, watch out for more flood vehicles for sale here. These cars can pop up months after a storm and multiple states away.
“You see the vehicles that are submerged in high waters. Well, those are the type of vehicles that may get sold cheaply to potential scammers, who then clean them up and sell them elsewhere, maybe down the street, maybe a few blocks away, maybe even in another state,” CARFAX’s Em Nguyen said.
Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke says here’s how to spot a flood vehicle, and you don’t even need to be an expert. Look for:
- A musty smell.
- Damp carpets or seats.
- Water stains inside the car.
- Fabric that looks like it’s been replaced.
- Rust or mud especially under the hood, in the trunk, or inside the car.
- Moisture inside the lights.
Stoogenke says do three things anytime you buy a used car even if you’re not worried about a flood one:
- Test drive it.
- Have a mechanic check the car.
- Ask for the vehicle history.
Plus, CARFAX offers a free Flood Check tool.
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