ConsumerWatch: Flooded Cars Could Be Pouring Into California
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- Consumer advocates and car experts are warning that flood-damaged cars from the Midwest are on their way west, destined to be resold to unsuspecting buyers in California and other western states.
"They'll move them as far away from the flood damage area as possible to areas where people aren't suspecting that a car could be flood damaged," said Larry Gameche of Carfax.
Gameche said damaged vehicles generally start hitting the used-car market three to six months after a disaster. "The earliest cars damaged this flood season are starting to hit the market now," he said.
Consumer advocate Rosemary Shahan shares his concern. Shahan said flood-damaged cars are dangerous and can be deadly.
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"The brakes may not work. It may stall in traffic. Today's cars have all these electronics and once they're submerged, those electronic components are hopelessly compromised," Shahan told CBS 5 Consumerwatch.
Shahan said used car shopper should look out for warning signs which can include water or condensation in the head or taillights, a musty smell or water in the spare tire well.
El Cerrito used-car dealer Paul Weinberger steers away from flood damaged cars by checking a vehicle's history online before purchasing it for resale. Weinberger said he advises buyers who come to his lot to do the same. He also recommends buyers take any car they're considering purchasing to an outside mechanic for a look.
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