[DALEPQ]

We are looking to buy a lower cost SUV "Florida vehicle", to use as a "2nd" vehicle.
(Maybe will use for 2000 miles or less per year).
Would like to know how we could verify it would not be a "Flood vehicle", as we have been told, there are many that are now being sold.
Also, is there any reputable mechanical service to have it checked out before buying?
Thanks in advance for qualified replies.

[SIRE1]

Typically, the used cars sold at a new car dealership are in better condition than those sold by an independent used car lot. The dealership wants to build a relationship that might bring you and/or your friends back to the dealership to buy a New car. Where the independent car lot that only sells used cars buy theirs from the auto auction or other sources and cleans them up so they move off their lot. Whether they last is another question and since repeat sales isn't frequent, they don't have a lot invested in reputation. So, if it was me, since there are large number of cars which were involved with the recent Florida flooding, I would ONLY deal with the major car dealership and ask them for a Car Fax and history for a car I might be interested in buying.

[retiredguy123]

I don't think there is any sure way to verify that a vehicle was not flooded. "Car Max" and "Off Lease Only" are two good places to buy a used vehicle.

[villagetinker]

There was a show recently about this, and they had several pointers to look for. As I recall:
Remove door sills, and look for mud, etc,
Lift up carpet, and look for mud
Look in the trunk (or similar area) and the storage areas below the "floor" for mud and water
Look over the engine compartment
If you can look inside the doors (borrow a boroscope?) this can be very telling
Look inside fender for trapped material (this could also be due to off roading)

An internet search should provide a more extensive list and possibly some sample pictures.
I would call Wildwood Tire or Sumter Tire to see if they would be willing to do an inspection and the typical cost.

[rayschic]

I have a 2010 CRV that I just posted in the Talk of the Villages Classifieds
Check it out and call or message me if interested
Definitely not flood damaged
Just had it serviced and everything runs well

[JoelJohnson]

Originally Posted by rayschic

I have a 2010 CRV that I just posted in the Talk of the Villages Classifieds
Check it out and call or message me if interested
Definitely not flood damaged
Just had it serviced and everything runs well

We have a 2008 CRV with 169,000 miles.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by DALEPQ

We are looking to buy a lower cost SUV "Florida vehicle", to use as a "2nd" vehicle.
(Maybe will use for 2000 miles or less per year).
Would like to know how we could verify it would not be a "Flood vehicle", as we have been told, there are many that are now being sold.
Also, is there any reputable mechanical service to have it checked out before buying?
Thanks in advance for qualified replies.

Make sure that the car(SUV) is a clean title. Get a Carfax on it 1st

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by DALEPQ

We are looking to buy a lower cost SUV "Florida vehicle", to use as a "2nd" vehicle.
(Maybe will use for 2000 miles or less per year).
Would like to know how we could verify it would not be a "Flood vehicle", as we have been told, there are many that are now being sold.
Also, is there any reputable mechanical service to have it checked out before buying?
Thanks in advance for qualified replies.

I've had good experiences with Carvana, but most of their vehicles may be out of your price range.

[bowlingal]

CARFAX for sure

[banjobob]

Pick a high mileage leased turn in ,mileage make them very reasonably priced most of miles are highway not stop and go. Since you are only driving 2000 miles a year that’s your your best deal. Newer body style more modern features.

[Collinsd]

Originally Posted by DALEPQ

We are looking to buy a lower cost SUV "Florida vehicle", to use as a "2nd" vehicle.
(Maybe will use for 2000 miles or less per year).
Would like to know how we could verify it would not be a "Flood vehicle", as we have been told, there are many that are now being sold.
Also, is there any reputable mechanical service to have it checked out before buying?
Thanks in advance for qualified replies.

I have a privately owned
2021 Hyundai Tucson with 1371 miles for $24,000
Call 352-615-2500 for more info

[Jameson]

Flood loss vehicles should be listed in a national insurance database at nicb dot org (free). Other visual checks is to look under the dash behind the glove box or kick panel area for water marks. Look for other areas which may show signs of water or mud that would be hard to clean for a reseller. Does the car smell clean or moldy?

[Larchap49]

Originally Posted by DALEPQ

We are looking to buy a lower cost SUV "Florida vehicle", to use as a "2nd" vehicle.
(Maybe will use for 2000 miles or less per year).
Would like to know how we could verify it would not be a "Flood vehicle", as we have been told, there are many that are now being sold.
Also, is there any reputable mechanical service to have it checked out before buying?
Thanks in advance for qualified replies.

Car Fax for sure. Smell after car is left in sun closed up for awhile or noticeable disinfectant or perfume smell, look under dash and seats for rust or water line. Look under hood and seats in suspension areas for mud or dirt in obscure places. Obviously new carpeting. Purchase in areas away from coast or area that had any flooding.

[TomSpasm]

I just went thru the process of buying a used SUV, saw one at a high end, name brand dealer in Orlando that was gorgeous and underpriced by at least $2,500. CarFax showed car had been serviced regularly in Ormond Beach, including a full workover at a Nissan dealer 10/1/22 followed by electrical service by another repair shop on 10/4/22. Ormond Beach was flooded by Ian on 9/28 and 9/29. Definitely a flood car. A severely underpriced car is a warning sign, in my opinion. I was able to find one that was driven and serviced locally, I'd stay away from cars that have been near the coast or in Orlando.

[Deden]

Go online to Auto Max in Ocala, honest people.