Buyer beware: Imelda damaged cars showing up on Texas dealer lots

SAN ANTONIO (Texas News Radio) — There is a new warning about flooded cars from Tropical Storm Imelda being resold in Texas.

The Texas Department of Insurance said sellers will buy salvage cars at auction and resell them to people across Texas and the rest of the country.

“If you’re shopping for a used car, make sure to look for signs of water damage,” said Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan. “There’s often a reason when the deal looks too good to be true.”

A waterlogged engine is almost impossible to correct.

Water damage can usually be found in a few areas.  If you notice stains, mildew, rust and discoloration, the car may have been flooded.  The TDI suggests when looking at a car, look for dirt or debris under floor mats, carpets or where the spare tire is located.

Mildew and mold will put off a musty odor, which some sellers may try to cover up with a scent of cleaner.

If you are ever in doubt when at the dealer lot, have a trusted mechanic look it over for you.

Other warning signs can be found with the car’s data.  Whenever a car is declared a total loss, its title is changed to a salvage or non-repairable title.

You can also check the vehicle identification number and put it into VINCheck to see if the car had ever been stolen or ever been listed as a total loss.

Along with passenger cars, the department said recreational vehicles and boats damaged by floodwater may also show up on the marketplace.  The same tips apply for those vehicles as well.