Secondhand car buyers; avoid wet deals this year

By Mohini Bhatnagar | 19 Aug 2005

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A number of car owners in Mumbai, whose cars had been submerged in the recent deluge for around 24 hours, on realising the extent of damage suffered by their vehicles, can be expected to put up the vehicles for sale. Apart from this, automobile showrooms in low-lying areas, which suffered the misfortune of having new vehicles damaged in the floods, are likely to divert these cars to used car outlets and sell the cars at a discount.

By the end of the year, many of the cars damaged by the recent floods will enter the used car market in the country. It is a moot point as to how many used car dealers will honestly declare the ''true'' condition of such cars being put up for sale. Not many can be expected to.

Unscrupulous dealers are more than likely to clean and dry out the engine and the seats, change the upholstery, undertake sundry repairs and try to pass off flood-damaged cars in the used car market.

The difference between a car that has been completely submerged in water for more than 24 hours and one that is just an old vehicle, or had its lower parts flooded, is that the former could most likely turn into a new owner''s nightmare, possibly within weeks of acquisition.

A flood-damaged car may not show its defects right away but problems with the engine, transmission, wheels and damaged brakes can develop in just a matter of weeks after you buy it. If water has seeped into the engine or transmission, long-term problems will keep recurring. If the water has carried mud or sand into the engine, misfiring of the engine and blown gaskets may become a regular nuisance. Moreover, submerged vehicles often develop critical electrical problems.

A piece of advice for all future used-car buyers would be to avoid a car that has been flooded completely.

Before making that crucial purchase decision, buyers should look for tell-tale signs to detect whether the vehicle has been under water for a considerable length of time.

  • Check for signs of rust in the interior of the vehicle. Front-seat bolt corrosion is usually visible. Look for signs of rust in the trunk, especially in the lower part of the compartment, near the taillights.
  • Signs of moisture would exist in all gauges on the dashboard. It would be wise to test all the dashboard switches, including lights, wipers, turn signals, radio, heater and the electric cigarette lighter.
  • Check the wires under the dashboard. If the wires crack, it could be due to water damage.
  • Check for watermarks in the carpeting and near the front seat. Water and silt tend to collect in those areas, unless cleaned thoroughly cleaned.
  • Unless the submerged car has had a complete overhaul of its upholstery, seats and carpets it will continue to retain the odour of clothes left in the water for a long time. Usually the smell refuses to go away no matter what, and, therefore, suspicious smells could be a good indicator. Insist on taking a drive in the car you are interested in and turn the AC off and close all windows. If the car begins to smell after some time, ask questions.
  • Odours are due to sodden carpet padding. Unless the carpet is removed and shampooed, the musty smell will never fully disappear. However, unscrupulous dealers may try and cover bad smells with excessive use of deodorants — another potential giveaway.

Again one need not write off flood-damaged cars completely. The important thing is to know what you are buying and factor in the cost of repairs, accordingly.

If a flooded car is totally cleaned with a complete overhaul of the engine, and the interiors — seats, carpet padding replaced; insides disinfected; carpet shampooed; all electrical connections greased; corroded wires or components replaced, the vehicle could end up being a decent acquisition.

However, please get the car checked by a reputable mechanic before buying it.

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