Hurricane Katrina brings new hazards to the used car 
market, not only in the Gulf States region affected by 
floodwater, but across the nation as well. 
 
The risk of buying a vehicle with flood damage goes up 
significantly and along with high demand and low volume, it 
is likely the price will also increase for used cars in the 
affected market area. 
 
While a vast majority of the vehicles will be considered a 
“Total Loss” by insurance companies and scrapped, there are 
still hundreds if not thousands that will be back in the 
market place for resale purposes. 
 
Wholesalers may purchase moderately damaged flood vehicles 
and sell at auctions across the country, leaving 
unsuspecting buyers at risk of purchasing a vehicle that 
has been damaged by Katrina. 
 
Water damaged vehicles can be one of the most serious and 
costly types of damage. The long-term effects of corroded 
electronic parts and wiring can be devastating and almost 
impossible to correct and repair.  
 
Here are a few tell tale signs and basic tips consumers can 
take to minimize the risk of purchasing a vehicle with 
flood damage. 
 
·Unless cleaned up properly, flood damage will leave grass 
and debris around the radiator, underneath around the 
frame, front and rear suspension components, etc.  
 
·Waterlines may be visible in the engine comprtment, rear 
firewall area, and even inside door pockets of the door 
panels and interior trim areas. 
 
·Mildew smell inside due to wet carpeting and padding 
underneath the carpet. 
 
·Inspect connectors and wiring for signs of corrossion 
 
·Rusted bolts and metal components, particularly underneath 
where water has been standing. 
 
·Inspect for windows fogging up on the inside after the 
vehicle has sat overnight, this is an indication that there 
may be water underneath the carpet and or carpet padding. 
 
·Inspect trunk area for waterlines, corroded connectors and 
wiring. 
 
With a keen eye and a little knowledge you can minimize the 
risk of spending thousands of dollars on a vehicle that has 
potential long term effects by water damage. 
 
Usedcarwise.com offers a comprehensive “how to” course 
designed to educate the average consumer on protecting 
themselves when used car shopping. 
 
For more information visit the web site at 
www.usedcarwise.com or call toll free 1 866 374 WISE  
(9473).