By Dawn Logg (WSPA)
COLUMBIA, S.C. – If you plan on buying a car anytime soon you might want to take extra time to make sure you don’t get one damaged in recent flooding.
Administrator of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, Carri Lybarker, says she has already seen a report of a flood damaged car someone is trying to sell on Craigslist.
To protect consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs has put together a list of steps that can help you know what to look for:
1.Stick to reputable, well-known sellers
2.If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3.Trust your gut. If anything seems suspicious, walk away.
They also have a checklist of what to do before you buy:
Inspect and Examine
Check the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for water damage such as silt, mud, or rust.
Examine the interior closely: make sure that the upholstery and carpeting match and fit tight; if it doesn’t, this could be a sign it has been replaced. Also check for discoloring, faded or stained material, which are other signs of serious water damage.
Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before you purchase.
Test
Check that all the lights and gauges in the instrument panel are working properly.
Test all the interior and exterior lights, windshield wipers, turn signals, stereo, windows, mirrors, and seats.
Ensure both the heater and air conditioner work. Check for musty odors when the air conditioner is on.
Ask
Ask to see a detailed vehicle history report. The report can reveal hidden problems from a vehicle’s past.
Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get a free report on the vehicle’s flood history at www.nicb.org or www.flood.carfax.com. Keep in mind that flood history is only reported on vehicles that were insured when they were damaged.
Click HERE if you’d like to print out the Department of Consumer Affair’s pamphlet on flood damaged vehicles.
