Don’t Buy Flood Damaged Used Cars: Tips from Toyota of Dothan

Sep 5, 2013

When you are shopping for a used car you may be at higher risk for buying flood damaged or salvaged vehicles. When natural disasters strike, tornados, hurricanes and other storms can leave cars completely damaged by the flood waters. These flood damaged cars can be shipped all over the country, and sold by less than reputable car salesmen. Here are some tips for avoiding flood damaged used cars from Toyota of Dothan:

Buy From Qualified Dealerships

The easiest way to avoid buying flood damaged used cars is to shop for used vehicles at reputable dealerships, such as Dothan Toyota. Dealerships must put all used cars through very thorough inspections and the cars must meet criteria before it can be sold. When you buy from individuals or small used car sellers, you don’t have the benefits of these used car selling requirements and are at a much higher risk of getting a flood damaged or salvaged vehicle.

Do Some Research Using the VIN

If you find a used car you are interested in, check that the VIN printed on the inside of the driver’s side door matches the VIN on the sticker of the windshield. If they match, write down the VIN and use it to research the vehicle history with The National Insurance Crime Bureau. Avoid any car that was totaled.

Do a Title Check

If you are happy with the VIN research findings, check the title to make sure it doesn’t say the car was flood damaged or salvaged. If the seller doesn’t have a title, there is a good chance they are trying to hide something and you should avoid buying that car.