Submerged cars in flood after a hurricane Cars flooded after Hurricane Ida. (Sarah J Lee/Getty Images)

Floodwaters from Hurricane Ian have damaged thousands of cars in Florida — but not all of them end up in the scrap yard.

In the weeks following natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, damaged cars can end up miles away from the path of the storm in a used car lot.

CARFAX says that an estimated 400,000 cars on the road have some flood damage, according to KTVK.

Telltale signs of #flooding include: musty odor in the interior, damp carpets, rust around the doors, moisture in the lights or instrument panel. 🌧️ See the rest and learn how to avoid flood-damaged vehicles while used #carshopping: https://t.co/CVDHCKwUqW #SaferWithCARFAX pic.twitter.com/p9oypoPmHE

Here are some tips from CARFAX for what to look out for before you drive that car off the lot.

CARFAX recommends finding a well-established car dealership when purchasing a used vehicle. Family-owned dealerships that have operated from the same location for decades tend to be focused on reputation instead of making a quick dollar.

While it will cost you a few dollars, take the used car to a mechanic who knows how to spot water damage or hidden electrical issues caused by flooding. They also know how to remove parts of the vehicle that might hide the damage.

A mechanic can also raise the vehicle on a lift to see what condition the frame might be in.

One of the easiest ways to detect water damage is to use your nose. When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, close all the doors, roll up the windows, and wait a few minutes. CARFAX recommends bringing a friend or family member with an excellent nose to detect the odor.

Be wary of cars that smell too good or have the windows opened when you check them out. Some try to cover the smell of mildew and mold with air fresheners.

Feel under the seats to see if it’s damp in places where you can lift the carpet or floor mats, and look for evidence of water. If you notice that the upholstery doesn’t match, is loose, or some of it has noticeably less wear, then it could have been damaged by flooding.

Inspect the instrument cluster and look for any trapped moisture or signs of discoloration.

Pull out the engine oil dipstick and look at the oil. CARFAX warns that if it looks murky, like melted chocolate, it might have a small amount of water in it.

Most air filters are easy to inspect, and a flood-damaged filter should be easy to spot. After removing its cover, look at the paper for deformation or water stains.

Look for fogged-up headlights and tail lights. When a vehicle is submerged, water can come through the seals. Also, it’s a red flag if you see tiny holes in the covers that someone may have drilled to release trapped moisture.

From door jambs to springs underneath passenger seats, rust will show on any unfinished metal surfaces. Do a thorough rust check of anything that isn’t painted. If paint bubbles in an area that isn’t exposed to the elements, take a closer look; there might be rust underneath.

Most purchases include a test drive; here are a few things to look for when you turn it on.

Want even more tips? Visit CARFAX for an exhaustive checklist here.

© 2022 Imagicomm Memphis, LLC. This station is owned by Imagicomm Memphis, LLC. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Manage Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell My Information