AAA warns water-damaged vehicles soon could flood local market

As floodwaters recede in Louisiana, car buyers in Oklahoma and surrounding areas should beware of flood-damaged vehicles, AAA Oklahoma warned Friday.

“Typically they’ll come to a nearby state,” AAA Oklahoma spokesman Chuck Mai said of the flooded cars. “They don’t want to sell them in Baton Rouge, but they don’t want to incur the expense of traveling across to Pennsylvania or Wyoming.”

It’s unclear how many vehicles have been affected by the widespread flooding, but Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has estimated more than 60,000 homes were damaged by the rising water.

“AAA always advises potential buyers of any used car to have it checked out thoroughly by an auto technician you trust.” Mai said.

“With the expected influx of flood-damaged vehicles, it’s even more important you have someone you trust put the car up on a lift and inspect the undercarriage. That’s where evidence of having been in a flood will likely show up.”

Other areas to inspect for flood damage include the trunk, under the hood and along the door hinges.

Oklahoma’s lemon law covers only new vehicles, and provides no protection for consumers after a used car is purchased.

Flood-damaged vehicles found their way into Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and every major flood in Louisiana, Texas and surrounding areas since, Mai said.

“They tend to be in a small number of used car dealerships and more so at online sites, private individuals and on Craigslist,” Mai said.

Steve Rankin, president of the Oklahoma Auto Dealers Association, said the state’s larger, reputable car dealerships avoid such flood-damaged vehicles.

“Consumers should remember that if it sounds like it’s too good of a deal, it probably is,” Rankin said.