Will Flood-Damaged Cars Be Sold as New?
1 Answers
Flood-damaged cars will not be sold as new vehicles. When a car is submerged in water for an extended period, its body components will suffer severe corrosion, and the electrical circuits and equipment will sustain significant damage. Even after repairs, such a car remains a ticking time bomb, retaining numerous safety hazards. In later usage, the vehicle will frequently develop minor issues. If discovered during a second-hand sale, the consequences can be severe. Handling of Flood-Damaged Cars: Manufacturers will process these vehicles according to internal procedures for damaged cars, ensuring they do not enter the sales channels. Unsold flood-damaged cars should not be released into the market but instead be internally absorbed. Repaired flood-damaged cars may be sold to employees at a price below market value, with restrictions on transfer within a specified period. Methods to Identify Flood-Damaged Cars: Smell the Interior: Check for a musty odor inside the car. Flood-damaged cars often have a musty smell in hidden areas like the floor mats, trunk lining, and under the seats, which is difficult to eliminate and usually leaves evidence. If you detect a musty smell, be cautious—check if air fresheners or other items are being used to mask it. Inspect Hidden Areas of the Vehicle: Look for rust or signs of screw removal and replacement in hidden parts of the car. Pull the seats back to check the rails for rust or sand. Extend the seatbelt fully to see if there are water stains or dirt at the end.
