Since these rehabilitated cars almost have to be sold as used, the question becomes “Does the lower price and the rehab still make it a good deal?”
I got a great used low mileage fleet car for a very low price because the original operator smoked cigars in it. Is a cigar smell that dissipates after a few weeks enough to dock $1000 or more from the price? I think so.
Rehabs vary a lot, which is why you should always have a trusted mechanic examine the used vehicle before purchase. Just their telling you it was a flood vehicle gives you huge haggling power.
Last but not least, both the government and the auto makers are cramming all sorts of unnecessary and invasive crap into automobiles. State governments should pass laws that permit consumers to opt out of such crap by requiring makers to provide crap-free versions of their products on request.
Imagine how this crap would be affected by floodwater. And they expect consumers to pay for its replacement.
Remember when you could open the hood of a car, look down...and see the ground?
I wouldn’t be completely opposed to buying a flood car. An older model in a recent flood would probably be ok depending on the price. Older means there’s probably not as much of the government-mandated garbage on there...and maybe less non-submersible electronic stuff. I’m not talking about a grandma-Oldsmobile either, but something classy.
It’s all the electrical connections that were submerged in salt water that will cause all the problems. Modern vehicles have dozens hidden in all sorts of places.
In most cases no as they have salvaged titles...