In one of our previous blogs (Beware of Water Damaged Used Cars (1)) we have already given you some tips that indicate water damaged cars. In this blog we will give you 6 more valuable tips to avoid becoming a dealer fraud victim.
- Look for dark lines on fabrics. Water lines or marks are created at the “high water points” on fabrics. A continuous line is visible along the length of any fabric (seats, rugs, headliner, etc.) that has been exposed to water and air at the same time.
- Look for rust. Rust will form on any steel surface that is unpainted and exposed to water. Since the inside of the trunk should never be exposed to water – rust found there is a sign that is was. Likewise, any rust that is found anywhere inside the cabin means water got in there, too.
- Look for new parts. Pay particular attention to the dashboard instrumentation. If the odometer indicates an incredibly low value for the year of the vehicle – it could indicate that the instrument cluster or entire dashboard was replaced due to water damage.
- Obtain a vehicle history report. The dealer or manufacturer may have some or all of this information available for free. Carfax is a service provider maintaining a database of many types of repairs and damages to vehicles, for a modest fee. Simply obtain the VIN (it should be well visible through the windshield on the driver’s side dashboard) for look up in the database.
- Shop at a reputable dealer. Reputable dealers avoid the headaches of selling vehicles that have questionable history. Dealers rely on their good reputation to stay in business. “Disappointed customer” stories spread much faster than “happy customer” stories do, so most dealers do what they can to minimize this risk.
- Note musty odors. Musty smells are indications of moisture. It is not unusual for older cars to have some mustiness – but beware. Water may have gotten into a vehicle if a window was left down or was broken. Rotted sheet metal around the rear wheels or rear window can cause a musty smelling trunk.
