Is a Car with Water in the Engine Considered a Flood-Damaged Vehicle?

[McLane]

Water in the engine does not necessarily mean the car is flood-damaged. There is no clear legal definition for what constitutes a flood-damaged vehicle. When purchasing a used car, it is common to encounter such issues from previous usage. However, disputes regarding used cars mainly depend on whether the seller accurately disclosed the vehicle's actual condition at the time of sale. If the seller fails to clearly state the situation, they bear some responsibility. Methods to Check for Flood-Damaged Vehicles: Inspect the sunroof: If the car is completely submerged, there will be noticeable traces such as water stains, mud, or signs of disassembly and drying. Handling Flood-Damaged Vehicles: Manufacturers follow internal procedures for processing damaged vehicles, ensuring they do not enter the sales channel. Unsold flood-damaged vehicles should not be released to the market but instead be internally resolved—repaired flood-damaged cars are sold to employees at below-market prices with restrictions on transfer within a specified period.