Will 4S Stores Sell Flood-Damaged Cars as New?
2 Answers
4S stores will not sell flood-damaged cars as new vehicles. Flood-damaged cars absolutely cannot be sold as new cars. Here is an introduction to flood-damaged cars: 1. Introduction: Flood-damaged cars refer to vehicles that have been submerged in water, typically meaning the engine and transmission have been soaked, with water levels exceeding the wheels and body seats, and the vehicle's underbody components have been in prolonged contact with water. Such vehicles pose significant risks, as their electrical systems are prone to short circuits and fires. 2. Hidden Dangers: Flood-damaged cars can be repaired to some extent, but even after repairs, serious hidden dangers remain. The longer the soaking time, the higher the likelihood of malfunctions. This is similar to a watch falling into water; even if it is disassembled and dried, the watch may still malfunction and cannot be completely fixed. 3. Handling: If a vehicle is submerged in water, as long as the engine is not flooded and only parts need to be replaced or circuits repaired, it falls under the coverage of vehicle damage insurance. Even if the entire car is submerged due to heavy rain, resulting in total loss, the insurance company can compensate for the total loss.
As a long-time car enthusiast who frequents dealerships, I've never heard of legitimate 4S stores selling flood-damaged cars as new. Think about it - new cars are transported from the factory to 4S store inventory with strict inspection procedures. If inventory cars get flooded, they must follow procedures to scrap them or sell them as used cars, clearly marked as accident vehicles. Selling them directly as new cars would constitute fraud, violating consumer rights laws. Once reported, the penalties are severe and it ruins their reputation. Mainstream 4S stores rely on repeat customers - they wouldn't dare damage their reputation. But you still need to be smart when buying a car: crouch down to check if the chassis screws are rusty, lift the carpet to feel if it's damp or moldy, and be wary of strange odors. Flood-damaged cars may seem fine initially, but their internal wiring and engines are prone to problems, significantly reducing their lifespan.