How a 'Salvage' Car Gets a Clean Title
Salvage car scams
There have been some reports that used car buyers in the States are being duped into buying flooded cars, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene this year. Affected flooded cars could easily reach into the tens of thousands, one of the more destructive storms to strike the East Coast in decades - with some cars finding themselves back on the market. It is a scary notion, as water damages the electrical and mechanical systems that control safety components. Then there is the health factor, as contaminated water that soaks into seats and vents can have harmful levels of mold.
How can such a car, which would be designated as a salvage title, find itself in the hands of unsuspecting customers? Most vehicles are refurbished and resold in salvage auctions, with proper documentation. A shady dealer looking to make a quick dollar might purchase the car and take advantage of fragmented database tracking and transport it to a state that does not keep records. That means that the car now has a clean title. The car can end up in Canada and sold to dealership who has no knowledge of the scrap car's prior history. The title could even be faked or altered to conceal a salvage car's past.
Signs you have a flood damaged car
A sure sign of flood damage includes discolouration in the seats or carpet, or freshly replaced fabrics in an ageing car. Other signs to watch for are brittle or cracked electrical wires under the dash. Another giveaway is excessive soot or rust in trunk, spare tire compartment or the engine surroundings. They may be accompanied by a musty or dank smell. All of the warnings and accessory lights should turn on when the car is started and should not flicker or work intermittently. These are signs of a electrical system with potential issues.