Vehicle history can be checked with CarFax, AutoCheck or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Is the car from out of state? Was it titled in a flood area?
Flood Damage Checklist
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- Check for a musty interior odor or strong air freshener smell.
- Check carpet, headliner, and seats for water stains.
- Pull up carpet and check for wet/damp jute backing.
- Check for rust under seats on seat frames and springs.
- Have seat bolts been wrenched?
- Check under dash for water line or rusted components.
- Are all electrical components working properly?
- Are headlamps/tail lamps foggy from moisture?
- Do underbody floor pan drain plugs show signs of removal?
- Check spare tire well in trunk for water or signs of drain plug removal.
- Check for corrosion in unusual places.
- Check for silt in nooks and crannies in the engine compartment, trunk, and the gas filler door.
- Check engine oil and transmission fluid for signs of water contamination.
- Check air cleaner box for water or damp air filter.
- Check for water lines:
- Under the dash
- In door jambs
- Under door trim panels
- Under the hood / engine compartment cowl
- Under the fender wells or behind the fender liners
- In the truck / spare tire well
- Run a diagnostic scan for open codes (if the shop is able).
