Flood-damaged automobiles may very well be making their manner into the native used automobile market, AAA Northeast is warning patrons after Hurricane Ian wrecked boatloads of automobiles in Florida final week.
These problematic automobiles may be coming to the Bay State amid a scarcity of recent and used automobiles, as individuals desperately seek for cheaper offers.
“The concern is the used car market has been a tough market,” AAA Northeast’s Mark Schieldrop advised the Herald on Thursday. “It’s not a good time to purchase a used car as a result of costs are nonetheless excessive.
“So people could be putting flood-damaged cars on the market here when there’s a strong demand for used vehicles,” he added. “Shoppers have to be suspicious if they see a good deal. If the price looks too good to be true, it likely is.”
CARFAX has reported that almost 50% of flood-damaged totaled automobiles return to the market as used automobiles.
“It’s pretty alarming to hear that,” Schieldrop stated. “Flood-damaged cars can be a nightmare with so many problems.”
Insurance firms usually declare flood-damaged automobiles as whole losses, and people automobiles are then offered to salvage firms. However, quite than being dismantled for elements, a few of these automobiles are bought by people who restore them to a point of working order.
AAA is warning automobile patrons that water-damaged automobiles may be transported wherever for resale, and sometimes proceed to look within the market for a lot of months following main floods.
Before buying a used car, purchase a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The report might reveal if the automobile has been in a flood or been issued a salvage title.
“People might want to save money going through a private sale and avoid used car dealers, but in many cases, it’s worth going to a dealership that offers a warranty,” Schieldrop stated. “It’s easier to hold a dealer accountable if something goes wrong.”
There are some much less reliable used automobile sellers on the market, so individuals ought to do their homework on the supplier, he added. Buyers additionally ought to get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
To discover a AAA permitted auto restore facility, go to www.AAA.com/autorepair.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”