Free Republic

"After major hurricanes like Irma and Harvey, consumers looking to buy a used car need to beware of flood-damaged vehicles.It's estimated more than a half-million will hit the market in coming months.( emphasis mine) "There is a racket out there where people will buy these cars cheap from the auction, re-do them, and then try to pass them off as a reliable clean car," Toyota of Tampa Bay Service Director Gregg Willard said. "As a dealer, I'm very worried, so as a consumer, you should definitely be worried." Signs of Trouble Inside "Trust your nose," Willard said. "If you smell...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- In the market for a good used car? Watch out for vehicles that sat submerged for days in the flooded streets of New Orleans, Biloxi or other Gulf Coast cities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Insurance companies usually purchase such vehicles from policyholders, declare them "totaled" and then sell them at auction to be resold for parts, many of which will still be suitable for use in other cars and trucks. But some unscrupulous dealers and wholesalers buy flood-damaged cars at scrap prices, clean them up, retitle them and resell them. The vehicles may look good, but...