Akkam’s Razor

Buying A Back To School Car:

“Has the car been in a flood? Cars that were flooded out are sometimes cleaned up and shipped to other states for resale. The insurance company will brand the vehicle title with a ‘FLOODED’ title. If you see a ‘FLOODED’ title, go home and forget about this car. You should keep in mind that titles can be ‘washed’ (no pun intended) by titling in different states so the ‘FLOODED’ brand will go away.

There are ways to determine if a car has been in a flood. Look at the engine; if there is a high water mark on the block or radiator, it’s been flooded. Look at the carpet in the car. If it’s been replaced, then chances are it was replaced due to flooding. When was the last time anyone you knew decided to just replace the carpeting? Smell the carpet. If it smells damp and musty, be suspicious. Look in the trunk; are the jack and tools rusty? Is the well for the spare tire wet and rusted? If it is, most likely the car was in a flood.”