A car that survived flood damage is likely to smell like mold or mildew. It is very difficult to dry out the fabric interior of a vehicle in the event of a flood, and the giveaway will probably be in the odors inside the car. Try not to be fooled by car fresheners or fabric sprays. If it looks like the seller is trying to mask a scent, there is probably a reason.

In the dome light, headlights, or taillights there is likely to be signs of trapped water. Check under the seats and in all compartments for other indications of water. Areas where it appears that dirt has accumulated could be signs of a flood, and the dirt that a flood brings can be filled with waste and bacteria. Even if you feel like this could be cleaned, flood damage on cars pose other risks.

If the vehicle has a lot of rust inconsistent with its age, then that could also be a red flag. Also check for rust in the undercarriage of a vehicle, as well as under the hood. Vehicles affected by floods and standing water will rust very quickly, and rust is difficult to mask or get rid of. It also further brings down the value of a car.

If there are several new updates to the vehicle, such as new carpeting or exterior body work, then that is also a warning sign. While this may appear to be a nice update to the outside of the vehicle, it could be a sign of damages to the interior, electrical, and technical parts of the car. In addition, fabrics in a vehicle that seem especially faded or discolored can also be a sign of flood damage. Take the car for a test drive and check all electrical systems, lights, clocks, and sound equipment. Take a look at the wires as well, because when wires are wet and become dry, they are often stiff.

Try and get opinions from trusted sources. Getting a vehicle history report from CarFax is always a good idea to check cars from flood damage incidents, but you may also want to consider taking the car to a mechanic that you know. They will be able to look at the car and perform certain tests on it to see if it is in decent working condition.

The effects of floods and excess water can be irreversible for several items, including vehicles. Even if you are not able to see the damage during a basic car inspection, in due time various parts or systems of the vehicle may begin failing. Even if you do not live in an area where floods are common, some sellers count on buyers to not look for flood damages on a vehicle. The money you will spend in repairs and replacements makes the deal on a flood-damaged vehicle not worth your time.