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CARFAX estimates that nearly 350,000 vehicles suffered flood damage during the 2024 hurricane season. Thousands of them could soon appear on Arizona lots, where nefarious (or negligent) sellers may try flipping them.
Here’s how to spot one – and avoid it.
1. Pull up the carpets – If you smell or feel any signs of dampness, run away.
2. Pop the hood – Sellers often forget to hide telltale signs of flooding (e.g. mud, sediment) from the engine compartment.
3. Test every electronic – Flickering lights and non-responsive buttons are big red flags.
Lastly, be sure to book a mobile mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection.
– Chris Butsch, Contributor