Remember Those Pics Of Flooded Car Lots After Hurricane Katrina?
Once deemed totaled, cars are supposed to be sold for scrap. But unscrupulous sellers can buy them at auction, then replace the title at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in another state by fudging the document, saying it's lost or retitling in a state that doesn't recognize "flooded" as totaled. The practice isn't just deceitful it's downright dangerous. How would you protect yourself from buying one of these cars?
I have heard tell that a LOT of these cars are showing up in South America and Central America.....
The best thing you can do is to buy from a REPUTABLE car lot - I know, some folks think that is an oxymoron, but, you CAN find a good dealer out there!
If in doubt, you can always take it to a trusted garage and have them look for water damage. Typically a good place to look is in the trunk, under mats...smell it - does it smell musty?
Just be careful and if you stay away from "new" cars from that time frame might help - but an older car would be tough to determine.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
