Used-Car Shoppers: Beware of Flood Damage

Shopping for a used car is a challenge that causes anxiety for a number of reasons. After finding the model and color you want you have to check the condition of the body, engine, tires and other parts.

Even after a thorough walk-around and a check by a mechanic, buyers still wonder if the car was abused or damaged, and if mechanical problems may be waiting to crop up. The concerns have been magnified of late as consumers looking to save money have driven used-car demand to new heights.

Now add flood damage to the list of worries.

A severe winter and an especially rainy spring have resulted in record flooding in many parts of the U.S., from Mississippi to Illinois to Vermont. It also means shoppers have to be more vigilant than ever when looking for signs of flood-damaged cars. Used-car sellers sometimes fail to disclose flood damage, which can cause numerous problems from rust to electrical glitches.

Here are a few clues that can help shoppers identify cars with flood damage, courtesy of AiM Mobile Inspections, a company that inspects used cars for consumers, dealers and auction companies.

• Water or condensation in the headlights or taillights.

• A musty odor in the vehicle, which may be from moldy carpeting or padding. If possible,

Look under the carpeting for dampness of mold.

• Mud in the seat belt tracks or seat belt tensioners

• Water in the spare tire well in a vehicle’s trunk.

• A sagging headliner in the interior, particularly on late-model vehicles.

• Look under the seats for flood debris.

• Corrosion in the vehicle’s undercarriage, such as on brake lines or around the fuel tank.

Driver’s Seat is a blog featuring news, views, and advice about cars, auto safety, driving, and transportation. Driver’s Seat is written by Jonathan Welsh with contributions from auto critic Dan Neil, Wall Street Journal staffers and others.

Jonathan Welsh joined The Wall Street Journal in 1994 on the spot news desk. He began writing auto reviews and features for the Weekend Journal section in 1999 and joined the Personal Journal staff in 2006.

Used 2010 Chrysler Town & Country in Chicago Illinois

Seven passengers, full of features, and great mileage is what you will find when you come down to Napleton River Oaks Kia / Hyundai and check out this 2010 Chrysler Town and Country . It’s stone white exterior paint is in excellent condition. This Chrysler has only 41, 658 miles and is ready to take you thousands more. It is obvious this town and country has been meticulously maintained and seems to have been garage kept. the 100% carfax guarantee reports this to have been a one owner van. The 3.8L over head cam SMPI V6 engine coupled to an automatic transmission gives this front wheel drive van an astonishing 23 miles to the gallon on the highway and 16 in the city. If you are looking for a daily driver to work and a roomy traveler for the long trips then you have found your answer in this Chrysler Town and Country, The name says it all.

to list all of the comfort features this Chrysler has is impossible on here but some of the hi-lites include front cloth low back bucket seats, second row stow and go bucket seats, and a third row 60/40 fold in floor bench seat. The kids will not get bored with the on board media center and AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player along with front and rear 12 volt auxiliary power outlets. An interior observation mirror helps the driver keep an eye on things while power windows, door locks and heated side mirrors make operation a snap. There are so many features on this van you really must come down to Napleton River Oaks Kia / Hyundai to see it in person.

Independent McPherson strut front suspension and twist beam axle rear suspension along with power rack and pinion steering and an electronic stability program gives this Chrysler a really smooth ride. You are assured of stopping quick with 4 wheel anti lock disc brakes. Driver and passenger air bags along with all row side curtain airbags, LATCH child system, tire pressure monitoring system, a sliding door alert and key less entry with anti theft engine immobilizer are just some of the safety and comfort features this van comes equipped with.

This is one Chrysler you have to see to appreciate, so come down to Napleton River Oaks Kia / Hyundai located at 1951 River Oaks Drive, Calumet City IL, 60409 and look her over in person. Why not give us a call at 888-711-0920 and set up a time for a test drive? AT the low price of $17,999 you really cant afford to wait.

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