AAA Warns of Flood-Damaged Vehicles
As floodwaters recede, AAA cautions used car buyers to beware of vehicles damaged by recent storms.
Flood-damaged cars are often cleaned up and resold on used car lots or online marketplaces, hiding signs of water exposure.
“Water inside of a vehicle, especially when we start to talk about mechanical components and wiring, can really cause some big problems down the road,”
according to AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean. Floodwaters can destroy a car’s electrical and mechanical systems, causing corrosion or hidden malfunctions that may not appear until months later.
- Most flood-damaged vehicles are marked as salvage and sold for parts.
- Some slip through and are resold to unsuspecting buyers.
AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean advises caution when shopping for used vehicles.
Author's summary: AAA warns used car buyers of flood-damaged vehicles.