Auto Trends Magazine — Page 160 of 173 — Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

The Ideal Off-Roader’s Garage

December 1, 2012 by Sarah Bolt Leave a Comment

Off-Road Jeep Wranglers. — Handle off-road beat downs in your modified garage.

Any avid off-roader knows that their passion is going to bring them head to head with more mechanical difficulties than most. The great outdoors present challenges that can ravage the under carriage of a vehicle.

Running off to the mechanic every time a mechanical hitch shows up is simply not a viable option. The true off-roader needs to have a fully-equipped garage at their disposal 24 hours a day. Converting your normal, everyday garage into the dream space of any amateur mechanic will keep you on the trails all year-round.

The ultimate garage starts with efficient storage. This element is important to not only allow you to keep track of all your tools and parts, but also to keep your equipment in good working order. Tool bins need to be steel…and they need to be big. Storing wrenches and suspension parts sets a good cornerstone for the rest of your workspace. There is nothing that holds up a project like being unorganized and unable to locate needed tools.

The comfort of the garage is next on the list. This is a crucial element as well. You are sure to be spending a lot of time in this environment. Making it one that is conducive to work is important. The basics, such as heating and air conditioning, will make the space tolerable during extreme weather. Beyond this addition, you can extend the atmosphere into custom signs, decals, or novelty refrigerators to keep the beer cold. The level of customization is really only limited by the amount of space you are working with.

Residential vehicle lifts. Once the car is present, it can feel as if the space has virtually vanished. Residential vehicle lifts are the solution. Raising the car allows you to still walk around your garage freely. It also eliminates the need to break your back when you have to get to tight engine components under the body. Although it can be quite an investment, attaining your own lift is a life-saver. If you make it to this point of commitment, there is no turning back. Completely open up your access to professional equipment by getting a heavy-duty air compressor. With this equipment in hand, you can use virtually any pneumatic tool that a job may require.

Epoxy Coverings. The perfect garage does not imply perfect work, however. There are bound to be oil and grease spills. Protecting your floor will add to ease of clean-up, and it will help to ensure a safer work environment. Most floors are cement and gray with oil stains abounding. Epoxy coverings will seal the floor and provide a firm-gripping surface. These types of sealers come in practically any color and provide a comfortable surface that eases the tension on your feet and back as you put in long hours of hard work.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bolt.

The Average Length of a New Car Loan

November 24, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

loans

Have you been shopping for a new car lately? If so, you most likely will finance your purchase as the average price of a new car is just above $30,000. Banks, credit unions, manufacturers’ financing arms and other lenders want your business. To get you behind the wheel of a new car, loan terms have been extended to help you afford your monthly payments.

Loan Length

As of March 2012, the average length of a new car loan was 64 months reports Experian, an information services company. That represents five years and four months of car payments. In comparison, used car loans were averaging 59 months or just one month short of five years.

New Loans

Auto loans are typically written for 36, 48 or 60 months. Some lenders offer 72- and 84-month new car loans.

Be mindful that the published rate for new car loans is for people who have outstanding credit. For recent college graduates, that rate may not be attainable and may result in much different loan terms. Car shoppers should also pull their credit reports before buying a car, reviewing all three reports carefully to ensure that correct data is shown. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three credit reporting bureaus — you can get a free copy of each report once annually by visiting the AnnualCreditReport.com website. Notify the respective credit bureau directly if you find a mistake — errors can lower your credit score, resulting in a higher interest rate for a new car loan.

Your Options

Clearly, there are a number of lenders and types of lenders that would like to finance your new car. Many new car dealer offers come with low- or zero-rate financing, or you can choose a rebate to apply to your down payment. Your dilemma may be trying to figure out what the best deal is for you.

The best option may be to shop for a new car loan first and use that loan to finance your vehicle. Credit unions typically offer the lowest rates, sometimes as low as 2 percent for a new car loan. With terms for up to 7 years, you may be able to qualify for a loan, visit your new car dealer, negotiate the best price on your new car, apply the rebate and use the loan. With this option you get a loan rate comparable to what the manufacturer’s lending arm (i.e., Ford Credit, GM Financial, Infiniti Financing, et al) and you still get a hefty rebate. You may also be eligible for additional rebates too if you are a recent college graduate, a military veteran or are a loyal customer.

Upside Down

One important factor consumers should consider before signing an agreement for a longer length car loan is the value of their car in relation to the amount owed on the loan. If your down payment is especially small — say 5 or 10 percent — and your loan term is 6 years or longer, you may owe more on your car than what it is worth.

This means that your loan is upside down, a factor that can cause you substantial financial harm if you should get in an accident and your vehicle is declared a total loss. Your insurer will assign a value to your totaled car, minus the deductible, and pay your lender that amount. There most likely will be a loan deficiency, one where you owe thousands of dollars to your lender for the difference between what your insurer pays and your loan balance.

You can avoid ever being upside down with your auto loan by making a larger down payment and electing for a shorter loan, one that is for 60 months or shorter. If you want the longer term, then you need to come up with an even larger down payment to avoid the upside down effect. You should also avoid financing the taxes and fees advises Niles Howard, writing for Bankrate.com, costs that you will want to pay separately.

What Your Breakdown Cover Policy Offers

November 23, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

At some point you may need roadside assistance if your car suffers a mechanical failure, leaving you stranded. Most new cars come with breakdown coverage for the first few years of ownership, but once that warranty is up you will need to shop for a breakdown cover policy that is typically available from an auto club, an auto insurer or some other service provider. Let’s take a look at some features your policy should cover.

1. Round the clock coverage — What good is roadside assistance unless your provider can send help to your location at any hour of the day including on weekends and on major holidays? Typically, your service will provide assistance 24/7/365 without restrictions. Your breakdown cover policy should offer such protection standard and send help to you within the hour of receiving notification from you. Inquire about the company’s average response time when shopping for a policy.

2. Access via phone and message service — These days, accessing your roadside assistance provider by toll-free number may not be enough. With smart phones used so extensively, your breakdown provider should offer a message service too. When shopping for coverage you will want to ask, “Is there an app for that?” Make sure that your phone is always fully charged when taking to the road.

3. On the spot repairs — You know that a roadside assistance plan truly shines when its service goes beyond the mere towing of your vehicle to a repair shop. Some repairs can and should be made right where your car breaks down. For instance, if your tire goes flat, you should be able to have it changed by the repair service operator. If a battery fails, your service may include the installation of a new battery if your old battery cannot be revived. That special service includes replacement, with a separate charge for buying a new battery. In addition, roadside assistance might include a fuel delivery service, lockout assistance and an extrication service if your car gets stuck in the mud or in a ditch.

4. Local and long distance recovery — Most roadside assistance plans are tiered, meaning you can choose between basic or standard and plus plans. If your car must be towed to a service garage, your plan will typically include coverage within a certain range, such as a 25-mile circumference of your home. For longer tows, you’ll pay a per mile charge for miles that exceed the plan’s limits. If you are far away from home, you can still be towed to a local, but unfamiliar garage. Or, you can opt for a policy upgrade that will provide free towing for up to 100 miles, enabling you to get back home again and have your car serviced by a trusted mechanic.

Policy Considerations

Most breakdown cover policies offer basic and expanded services. Choose the level of coverage that reflects your driving habits. For instance, you’ll want to opt for long distance recovery if your travels include regular trips that are more than two hours from your home. Insurance policies are typically written for 6- or 12-month terms; your auto club or other service provider will usually offer a one-year roadside assistance plan.

When to Time Your New Car Purchase

November 21, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

So, you think that heading to the showroom on any given day will produce the intended result, namely the best deal possible on a new car? Well, think again. There are times of the day, weather conditions and dates on the calendar that may yield the best savings for car shoppers or at least those are some of the prevailing theories. Nevertheless, you may want to strategize your car shopping quest accordingly in a bid to save hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars on your next new vehicle purchase.

End of the Month

Its the first of the month and you’re ready to buy a new car. Not so fast! Although a good deal on a new car can be had at any time of the month, you may find that a sales manager is more likely to cut a special deal if you buy just before the month ends. Monthly vehicle sales may be tied in with quotas that still need to be met. Meet those quotas and manufacturers will often kick in more cash back to the dealer.

Unfortunately, you wont know if the dealer is behind on quotas for the month unless you are told so. You’re taking a gamble here too the car you really want may no longer be sitting on the dealers lot, which means you’ll have to wait for your special order to be shipped weeks later.

At Year End

Come December, if not earlier, you’ll see a slew of advertisements for new cars. Lexus is one of the first to jump in, running its December to Remember sales event. Competing sales include the Mercedes-Benz Winter Event. Oddly, the M-B sales initiative ends on Nov. 30, some three weeks before the winter solstice arrives. Also, The Season of Audi Event, is currently going on, and other events will crop up over the coming weeks.

Can you save money at the end of the calendar year versus other times of the year? Yes, but that is a qualified yes. Hot sellers, for instance, wont be discounted or at least not to the extent that you might expect. If inventories are lean, your deals wont be. The best savings will come for two types of models: the last model years leftovers and vehicles that offer an older design. With the latter, you’re looking at a previous generation model the all-new design has arrived on dealer lots and the old models need to be moved out and will most likely include special manufacturer incentives.

Sweetened Deals

There are times in the year when buying a new car makes absolute sense: the manufacturer has sweetened its rebate or financing offer, improving on a previous deal. Discounts or cash incentives may be increased to reduce inventories for slower selling models. Cash incentives, for instance, are what you are given once you have negotiated your best price.
Never negotiate a deal by putting the manufacturers incentive on the table or allowing the salesperson to do that. Instead, research the price for your vehicle, negotiate your best deal, then claim the rebate.

Weather Conditions

Some consumers are under the impression that car dealers will cut a special deal with them on a rainy day. Thats a nice thought, but a wrong one at that. When you arrive on the dealers lot, a salesperson may greet you with an oversized umbrella in hand.

Now there may be an exception to this belief that should be considered: business following a severe storm that knocked out power and kept shoppers away from dealer showrooms for days on end. Dealers, with the help of manufacturers, may sweeten their offers. These one-time or short-term deals may happen following a calamity where customers lost their cars to flood waters and have insurance checks in hand to make a deal. Cash and checks talk use your loss as leverage.

Personal Advice

When would I buy a new car? At the end of the month or whenever traffic is so slow that dealers are itching to sell cars such as on Black Friday. Still, you can find a good deal at any time of the year, provided you do your research and prepare to negotiate accordingly.

See Also — Last Minute Year-End Car Buying Tips

NICB Warns Consumers About Storm Fraud

November 21, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Hurricane Sandy left a trail of destruction as it slammed the northeastern U.S. coastline in late October. Weeks later, the damage is still being totaled as insurers are paying claims expected to exceed $50 billion. Among the claims filed are for storm-damaged cars, including vehicles that may look fine on the outside, but were destroyed by flood waters. Unsuspecting car shoppers should be aware that some of these vehicles might be resold, with the National Insurance Crime Bureau warning that affected cars may be passed off as undamaged.

Flood-Damaged Vehicles

flood damage cars “Unscrupulous salvage operators and dealers often try to conceal from potential buyers the fact that vehicles have been damaged by a natural disaster,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. Wehrle’s organization is working with law enforcement professionals to identify these vehicles so that they are not entered into the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or NMTIS. That system currently includes more than 88 percent of the U.S. vehicle inventory.

The problem of salvaged vehicles being passed on to consumers came to a head in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. That storm, plus Hurricane Rita, destroyed hundreds of thousands of vehicles, some that were later cleaned up and retitled in other states. To counter this problem the NICB developed what is known today as VINCheckSM, a service that enables consumers to learn if a vehicle has been declared salvage by a participating member insurance company. That information is available for free to consumers on the NICB website.

Fraud Warnings

Following Hurricane Sandy, the NICB has been working with law enforcement officials while warning that unscrupulous towing companies might take advantage of insurance companies and consumers. The NICB also notes that home contractors will often descend upon a disaster area, promising to make repairs, but taking homeowners cash without doing the work.

In addition to checking the NICB database, consumers can also have a vehicle inspected to ensure that it hasnt been damaged in a flood. Tell-tale signs include carpeting that may have been replaced, lights that are not working, electronic accessories that are malfunctioning as well as signs of a water mark in the trunk, in the cabin or underneath the hood (see How to Check for Flood-Damaged Cars).

Mechanic Inspection

Finally, consumers should always have a used car inspected by a reliable mechanic before following through on a deal. Your mechanic can put your vehicle on a lift, inspect its suspension, brake and emissions systems, and evaluate the vehicle for possible signs of trouble including alerting you to possible damage from flood waters.

See Also — Truck Tailgate Thefts Are on the Rise

Black Friday and New Car Deals

November 13, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

If you are planning to hit the stores the day after Thanksgiving, you may find that one type of retailer has some uncommonly good deals for your consideration. And that would be your new car dealer, an often overlooked retailer for shoppers looking for Black Friday deals at the mall. If you car shop on Black Friday you may be able to save up to 20 percent, perhaps more, off of the manufacturer’s recommended sticker price (MSRP).

Wheeling and Dealing

Why would new car dealers offer specials on Black Friday? For two reasons:

1. Traffic is typically terrible on the day after Thanksgiving and is usually down for the weekend. Without customers, dealers lose money. Those customers that make the venture to a new car dealership will find sales staff in a mood to make a deal.

2. It is the end of the month. Because Black Friday falls near the end of the month, dealers may be more willing to strike a deal to meet monthly quotas. Sales staff receive incremental bonuses for the number of new cars that they sell each month notes Kevin Ransom, writing for AOL Autos. You are in a position of strength here as the sales manager may take off additional money to close your deal.

Black Friday Car Deals

Regardless of the day or event, you will find it more difficult to get a great deal on a hot-selling new car. Expect that the best discounts will be offered on those vehicles that are less popular including models that are left over from the previous design generation.

Exceptional new car deals can be had with Consumer Reports backing up claims of hefty discounts by listing more than 20 models that offer at least a 15 percent discount. Although its list is for Black Friday 2011, this year’s list of special savings might include vehicles such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan’s Versa hatchback, the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi’s Galant. The first three models have been redesigned or updated for 2014, while the Galant was discontinued in 2012 and is still on sale.

Best Discounts

Getting 15 to 20 percent off of the sticker price of a new car is significant. Typically, come November, new cars are discounted by an average of 6 percent. The deals get even better toward the end of the calendar year, but the temporary spike in discounts on Black Friday should be noted by new car shoppers.

One thing most new car dealers won’t do is open at 3 a.m. on Black Friday. Instead, they will likely keep regular hours, hoping that you’ll stop by on the way home from your visit to the mall.

Updated Nov. 2013 to reflect current information.

Why the Honda Insight Failed

November 13, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

For the second time in its brief history the Honda Insight is being pulled from the US market. And this time it may be gone for good.

The Insight, like the Toyota Prius, is a dedicated hybrid. That means there is no gasoline version and the model’s success or failure stands on consumer demand for hybrids alone. The Insight, along with the CR-Z, the Civic Hybrid, and an Accord Hybrid, compose Honda’s 2014 model year hybrid offerings. If you want a new one you’ll have to choose one from dealer stock because effective immediately Honda dealers will no longer take orders for the Insight.

What went wrong with the Honda Insight? Several things including consumer perceptions and competition helped quash Insight sales. The following are the chief reasons why the Insight just did not have the vision to succeed in this tough market.

1. Toyota Prius

Few people remember that the original Honda Insight beat the Toyota Prius to the US market by six months in the late 1990s. However, it didn’t take Toyota long to define and own the segment once the first-generation Prius appeared.

Toyota Prius C I cannot say that the Prius is a design magnet. It is not. Rather, it is a brilliant marketing effort that has allowed Toyota to claim its green credentials and shape the hybrid market. That market is owned by Toyota which sells more hybrids than all other manufacturers combined. In fact, before Ford came along, Toyota had a 2-to-1 edge in the hybrid market.

And with four Prius models to choose from plus other Toyota and Lexus hybrids in the mix, your selection of green models seems almost limitless. Toyota established the benchmark by which all other hybrids are judged and the Insight could never compete.

***See Also — CNN: The Birth of the Prius***

2. Ford C-Max

Honda could accept second place in the hybrid segment and be satisfied with that. Unfortunately for them, the Ford Motor Company had a better idea, introducing its C-MAX hybrid line in late 2012 and updating its Fusion Hybrid along with it.

Most likely Ford will never overtake the Prius in hybrid sales. What Ford is doing is finding its own place in the market, by offering plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids alike. Indeed, Ford’s PHEV (Energi) line is outselling the Prius PHEV, quite an accomplishment for this automaker. With the hybrid market remaining so small, any Ford gain has come at the expense of everyone else. Toyota can afford to lose market share points, but not Honda. Ford’s hybrid success has come largely at Honda’s expense.

Ford C-MAX

3. Other Honda Products

Why buy a Honda Insight when there are three other Honda hybrid models to choose from? And those models are much more interesting than the Insight and may make a difference for Honda.

Honda FCX Clarity The CR-Z is the model closest to the Insight in pricing, retailing from just $19,995. It is a two-seat hybrid which makes it less practical than other models, but given that Honda is sticking with it demonstrates that its appeal outstrips the Insight. Honda’s two remaining hybrids — the Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid — are based on two highly popular model lines. Neither one has the polarizing look of other hybrids, while also delivering exceptional fuel economy.

Although not yet slated for the US market, the Honda Fit Hybrid may take over where the Insight left off. With Car and Driver reporting a possible price premium of just $1,500 over the gas Fit, it could become the model that replaces the Honda Insight.

***See Also — Car and Driver: Honda Fit Hybrid***

4. Bland Styling

I’ve never been a fan of traditional hybrid styling. I realize the cars are shaped the way that they are because of extensive wind tunnel testing. Sculpt these cars to achieve a top coefficient of drag and you get a shape that is virtually void of artistic interest.

Although the Prius and the Insight have similar body lines, the Insight never looked quite right. We’ll leave the first generation model out of this discussion, a completely different car with its own design idiosyncrasy. The latest interpretation was a jumbled mess: it has a face not unlike the FCX Clarity and it resembles the first generation Prius from its A to C pillars. It’s hatchback design overwhelms its rear while its interior design is simply underwhelming. Honda needed a hit with the Insight, but its blandtastic look assured that it would eventually strike out.

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage: 44 mpg on the highway.

Honda Insight Acumen

Another killer for the Honda Insight are all these fuel-efficient gas-only models that are hitting the market. In delivering 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, the Insight certainly had the fuel economy numbers to go with its low-emissions output. Then again, the Ford Fiesta, Mitsubishi Mirage, and the Toyota Corolla LE Eco are among several other models that are within the fuel efficiency range. With more fuel-efficient choices available, the Insight’s appeal has been diminished further.

***See Also — Auto Trends: First Drive: 2014 Toyota Corolla***

How to Transfer a Car Loan to Another Person

November 10, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

If you have a car loan and you want to transfer the loan to another person, is this possible? Well, that answer is not always clear cut it can depend on the policy of your lender, especially what is laid out in your car loan agreement. Still, that possibility remains and if you are interested in transferring ownership, the following procedures can make it happen.

Your Agreement

Your car loan contract should clearly spell out whether a loan can be transferred or assumed by a new party. Begin by examining your contract to determine whether this is possible.

key lock If after examining the contract that you are still not sure, contact your bank or financing company for clarification. Get a hold of someone in the bank’s lending department that can pull a copy of your loan and make a determination.

Agreement Transfer

Your lender will most likely not allow for your auto loan to be automatically assumed by a new borrower. Instead, this individual may be required to apply directly to the bank for the loan transfer.

In this case, work with this individual to have the loan transferred. However, your bank may require that the future owner take out a new loan. Your purchaser will likely have to produce paperwork such as W2 stubs and income tax information to demonstrate creditworthiness. At this point, the loan application is between the purchaser and your bank.

Lender Approval

Do not attempt to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the purchaser until your bank has approved his loan application or accepted his transfer. The bank has a lien on your car anyway and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not allow the car to be retitled until after the deal is done. As long as there is a lien on the car, the bank’s name will always remain on the title.

When your bank issues a new loan or accepts transfer of your current loan, you will receive notification that the loan has been transferred or paid off. If the purchaser is turned down for a loan, then consider the deal cancelled unless he can arrange financing elsewhere or pay cash for your car.

Loan Considerations

As long as the car is in your possession, continue to make payments on your car loan. If your purchaser succeeds in obtaining a new loan or a loan transfer, get a receipt from your bank showing that your loan is paid off. Notify the DMV that you no longer own the car, removing license plates, registration and personal information from the car.

Lastly, notify your auto insurance company that the car has been sold, a move that will immediately drop insurance coverage for the vehicle.

Special Note — Do not allow another person to take over payments without formally discharging your ownership duties. If something happens to the car — such as it is damaged or stolen — you will be held responsible.

See Also — Car Title and Personal Loan Collateral

Mitsubishi: We’re Staying

November 8, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Following on the heels of Suzuki’s announced exit from the U.S. market, speculation has turned to the fortunes of Mitsubishi, another Japanese automaker that has been experiencing declining sales. Like Suzuki, Mitsubishi is a shell of its former self, but unlike its competitor it has vowed to stay in the U.S. market. At least for now.

Falling Sales

Earlier this week, Automotive News contacted Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko about the possibility of an exit, but the chairman reiterated his commitment to the U.S. market. Mitsubishi’s sales peaked at about 345,000 units in 2002 — this year, the automaker has sold just 50,000 cars and sales are down by nearly 29 percent. Through Oct. 2012, U.S. auto sales are up 14 percent overall.

Mitsubishi Lancer Unlike Suzuki, Mitsubishi has long had an operating plant in the United States. Its Normal, Ill., manufacturing facility can be used to expand its car-building capacity especially as new models are brought to the market. That plant also helps Mitsubishi offset the cost of shipping models from Japan and suffering a currency exchange penalty in the process.

For years, the yen has performed strong against the U.S. dollar, eroding manufacturer profits. To counter this disadvantage, automakers have been moving manufacturing abroad, including to North America. Suzuki is the lone Asian car company without a North American plant, however Mitsubishi’s Illinois plant is underutilized.

Mitsubishi Outlook

What Mitsubishi has going for it is a handful of new or upcoming models that could help stabilize the company. The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover will be revealed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this month and go on sale next summer. Mitsubishi has plans to increase its U.S. production and may ship its excess capacity abroad. The automaker has been touting its low-volume i-MiEV electric vehicle, what basically amounts to a halo model. Its Lancer (pictured) is its best seller and the next generation modelis due out in 2014. Still, the company has retired four models in the past two years, with unclear plans as to what other models may be in the offing.

As much as this writer would love to see Mitsubishi grow and prosper, the changing fortunes of the global car industry may make short work of its revival plans. To survive long-term, smaller manufacturers must hook up with larger car companies, what Subaru has done with Toyota, and what Chrysler has with Fiat. Ultimately, consumers will vote with their wallets and with an aged and limited product line on hand, time is certainly not on Mitsubishi’s side.

How to Check for Flood-Damaged Cars

November 5, 2012 by admin 5 Comments

After every major natural catastrophe, particularly one involving flood waters, a slew of damaged cars begin to show up on the used car market. Those cars may have been declared a total loss by insurers and retitled as salvaged or flood-damaged by the state. However, a car may sometimes be moved to another state in a bid to conceal flood damage and sold to an unsuspecting buyer. This practice is known as title washing and can cost you dearly.

Many flood-damaged cars look immaculate, with pristine exteriors and clean interiors to show for it. It is not too difficult to make a car look good inside and out, but underneath and within the vehicle’s mechanics, signs of flood damage can be uncovered. Read on to find out ways to check any vehicle for problems.

1. Do your research. Never take the owners word when it comes to the condition of a vehicle. It may look great and run fine, but flood damage problems can appear later on. Rust, mildew and stained carpeting are visible signs of trouble. You will need to dig deeper too, by contacting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle to learn if the car was branded with flood or salvage titles. You can also purchase a vehicle history report to get some information about the repair history of most any vehicle. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

2. Look around inside. The carpeting may have been replaced and the seats cleaned, but there may be telltale signs that a vehicle was damaged in a flood. Silt, mud and rust may lurk just beneath the surface, or in the back of the glove compartment, at the bottom of the trunk or behind the dashboard. If stains or discoloration are present or the interior colors are mismatched, you are likely looking at a salvaged vehicle.

3. Check the ignition and lights. Get behind the wheel of the car and turn on the ignition. The dashboard should immediately light up, with gauges moving into place and the ABS and airbag lights activated. Operate the turn signals, the emergency flashers, the horn, and get out of the car to inspect the headlamps, parking lights and other lights. Back inside, the climate control system should be functioning turn it on high for both heat and air-conditioning settings sniff the air for signs of mildew. If your car has a navigation system or other electronic components, these should be in working order too. Try each 12-volt connection and USB port. Power windows and door locks should work without a problem.

4. Take it to your mechanic. You will pay to have your trusted mechanic check your vehicle, but it is an investment you cannot afford to avoid. Ask your mechanic to put the vehicle on a lift to inspect its suspension system, brakes, exhaust system, powertrain and other components. If the car has been damaged by a flood, evidence such as mud, silt and rust will appear. High-water marks can be observed on the engine block; wires, as well as other parts, may have rusted.

5. File a complaint. If a car show evidence of flood damage, you should notify your state’s office of the attorney general to make a report. You can also file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau office. Help other consumers avoid being ripped off by following through with your complaint.

Car Notes

Flood-damaged cars routinely appear on the market after a hurricane or other major weather event. From Texas to the northeast, such vehicles may have been declared a total loss by the tens, if not hundreds of thousands. Even if you do not live anywhere near where a storm occurred, an unscrupulous individual may try to sell a flood-damaged car, costing you thousands of dollars in later repairs when the engine seizes, the transmission fails or the exhaust system rusts through.