Thinking of Getting a Used Car? Beware of Flood Damage, Says State
Sandy's wrath could translate to a lousy deal in getting a used car if you're not careful; here's what to look for to make sure you don't get soaked.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), cars damaged by the floods in 2012 may become the used-car-buyer's nightmare of 2013. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy it's estimated that tens of thousands of vehicles sustained severe water damage, making a vehicle’s electrical system, including airbag sensors, prone to failure. Based on past experiences with flood-damaged vehicles associated with Hurricane Katrina, it is very likely that many states – including Wisconsin – will soon begin to see flood-damaged vehicles enter their used vehicle markets for sale, titling or registration. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is designed to protect consumers from concealed vehicle histories, but the …
