1 - It’s best to have a qualified mechanic to inspect a pre-owned vehicle before you go ahead and hand over any money no matter what the circumstances. But there are at least 10 ways to use your eyes, hands and nose to help sniff out a flooded vehicle. You can check its title history by running its VIN (vehicle identification number) to see if it has been reported as being flooded and salvaged.
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2 - Are there any signs that the interior has recently been steam cleaned or shampooed or had the carpeting replaced? A freshly cleaned upholstery could be signs of a clean-up job due to flooding. Also, look for signs of undue wear or fading on door panels.
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3 - Look for water residue, stain marks or signs of rust by pulling up a corner of the floor covering in both the passenger compartment and the boot. Sniff these areas thoroughly for evidence of mold or musty odors.
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4 - Check for moisture in areas such as the dashboard and interior storage cubbies – there could well be mildew and grime inside the seatbelt retractors so check there too. Rust on screws and upper door hinges will be another sign that the vehicle may have been flooded.
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5 - Try the headlight, turn signals and all of the vehicles electrical systems and check that they all work fine. Put the radio on and listen to speakers carefully to check if they sound ok – water damage will easily cause them to emit a muffled sound. Also check for residue within the overhead dome light as the car could have been totally submerged…
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6 - Pop open the bonnet and look out for any signs of mud or residue in all the crevices, behind the wiring harnesses and around any small recesses.
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7 - Check electrical wiring and relays in the engine compartment and under the dash for rusted components, corrosion or water residue.
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8 - Check the vehicle’s air filter because if it gets wet, the paper will look crumpled even after it’s dried.
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9 - Check the oil for changes in the colour and viscosity which could indicate that water has gotten into the engine. Oil in a flood-affected vehicle will be a different colour; it may be pale when it should be dark. Oil that's been affected by flooding may also feel sticky to the touch.
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10 - Finally, look underneath the car, inside the wheel-wells and around the door, bonnet and boot panels for evidence of rust.
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