'Flood cars' could be floating around used car market

WASHINGTON - Tropical Storm Ida's rains could mean a flood of damaged goods are about to hit the used car market.

Cars that have sustained heavy water damage are known as "flood cars," and could be on the market after the nor'easter that plagued the region last week. It is against the law in Virginia and Maryland to sell a flood car without disclosing it first.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is warning people who are shopping for cars to take a close look inside and outside when buying a used car.

"Inside your door panels where the plastic is screwed in, look to see if those screws are rusted," says Melanie Stokes, spokesperson for the Virginia DMV.

Another place Stokes recommends checking is the trunk.

"Look in the trunk and pull up a corner of that carpet, take a big whiff and make sure it doesn't smell moldy," Stokes says.

Other signs of water damage include mud around wires or internal engine parts.

If you are buying a car from a dealer, using CARFAX could help avoid a potential problem. However, around one-third of all used car sales are between individuals, so be sure to inspect a car thoroughly before a purchase is made.

Selling a flood car without disclosure is a crime punishable by up to a year in jail in Virginia and Maryland.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)