Is a Level 2 Flooded Vehicle Serious?

[DelVincent]

It belongs to a relatively severe situation. A Level 2 flooded vehicle is considered quite serious. Flooded vehicles are classified into six levels: Flood Level 1: Water has just reached the vehicle's chassis, causing the floor to become damp. However, the likelihood of significant water ingress is low, and the impact on electrical components inside the vehicle is minimal. Flood Level 2: Water reaches halfway up the wheels. Due to the vehicle's incomplete sealing, water begins to enter the interior. For lower sedans, the water level inside may affect the seat adjustment motors, heating, ventilation, and other electrical components. Flood Level 3: Water almost completely submerges the tires. The water level inside the vehicle will fully immerse the seat cushions and the central armrest area, affecting a large number of electrical components. Flood Level 4: Water reaches the engine hood. The water level inside rises to the dashboard, and the headlights and engine air intake in the engine bay begin to take in water. Flood Level 5: Water completely submerges the engine hood. At this point, nearly all electrical components inside the vehicle will be affected by the water. Flood Level 6: Water submerges the roof. The headliner and sunroof module will be affected, and no interior components will be spared. If engine damage occurs due to restarting the vehicle in water, even with flood insurance, the insurance company will not cover the cost. Therefore, never attempt to start the car if it has been flooded. Flooded vehicles are broadly categorized into three types based on water levels: those with water up to the wheels (which can still be repaired and used), those with water reaching the dashboard, and those with water submerging the roof. The latter two are considered severely flooded vehicles, requiring expensive repairs and posing significant risks even after repair. In such cases, insurance will typically declare the vehicle a total loss.

[VanGabriela]

I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many cases of flooded vehicles. A Level 2 flood refers to water reaching the seat level, which is much more severe than Level 1 as it can affect internal components. Water entering the car can corrode the metal frame and wiring, leading to electrical short circuits and a high risk of engine stalling; soaked seats and carpets can mold, producing unpleasant odors and breeding bacteria. Repairs require complete disassembly and replacement of parts, potentially costing over ten thousand yuan, along with professional testing of the electronic systems, posing significant safety hazards. I advise against buying such vehicles, as many regret their purchase. For regular maintenance, always park in safe areas to prevent flooding. Overall, these cars frequently develop problems and depreciate quickly in the long term.

[VanBryce]

After years of repairing cars, I find second-level flood-damaged vehicles quite tricky. Water reaching footwell height causes carpet and floor panel rot, along with wiring harness corrosion and short circuits, requiring complete disassembly for cleaning or replacement. Repair costs range from several thousand to over ten thousand, and the engine bottom may also rust, leading to continuous future issues. It's advisable to avoid purchasing such vehicles. If already bought, have them professionally inspected for safety systems like ABS and air conditioning to ensure all problems are resolved. From a reliability standpoint, they suffer more damage than first-level water submersion, with depreciation rates exceeding 50%. In short, investing in repairs isn't worthwhile.

[DelKylie]

As a young person buying a used car, I've heard about flood-damaged vehicle classifications, and Level 2 sounds terrifying. When water reaches the seat level, electrical systems like the steering wheel or ECU are prone to failure, with repairs costing thousands starting out. A friend bought a supposedly repaired one that developed issues within months—persistent mildew smell and corroded components. I think the risk is too high and not cost-effective; a new car or a healthy used one offers more peace of mind. Daily parking should avoid low-lying areas to prevent accidents.