I am writing this ot try and dispell the rumors that any vehicle that is damaged by water or flood is junk and should never be considered for purchase.

It is very important when considering buying a water damaged vehicle to do thorough research of the rebuilder and the vehicle.  Many people instantly say that a water damaged vehicle is junk and not worth buying at any price. These people are usually mis-informed at the least and outright wrong at the most. Depending on the type of damage, how it was damaged and how it was rebuilt a water dmaged vehicle can be an excellent way to purchase a vehicle 20% to 30% or more off the book price. If you are looking at late model, high end vehicles this can be a large savings.

Now for the relevent information. 1. A vehicle damaged in salt water either by flooding ro storm is absolutely a bad choice. These cars are never going to be worth rebuilding, even as parts cars they are very limited in value. In 99% of all cases the electronics are going to be bad or go bad in the very near future. Even the body panels have to be thoroughly cleaned and exaimed before re-using, salt is extremely corrosive and even a small amount missed can cause excessive rusting in a matter of months. Any salt water entering the electrics or electronis is going to ruin them, period! 2. By Federal law all cars damaged by hurricane have to be so noted in the insurance auction when the car is sold. Always ask the rebuilder for the orginal damage report and how the vehicle was damaged as well as extent of damage. Another good idea is find out where the vehicle orginated in the sale. This isnot always a exact rule since some dis-reputable companies move the cars far from the point where they were damaged before they sell them at auction. Try to find out where the vehicle was registered. Ask for pictures of the vehicle as orginally purchased from auction and pictures of the vehicle during rebuild. Also ask for list of parts replaced and methods used to rebuilt the vehicle.  3. The good news is last. A vehicle that has suffered fresh water damage is a totally different thing. Often times the insurance companys will total a car without ever really researching the damage. This is because once they hear water damage they usualy will not pay to have the vehicle sent to dealer and dismantaled to see how extensive damage is.  They do not want to pay for the labor of having the car dismantled when they are going to end up writing it off and paying the owner anyway in most cases.  This is the situation where you can find excellent deals. If the rebuilder is reputable and does thorough job on these cars they can be an excellent buy.  It is very important to check refferences of builder, again get pics of car and damage report, get writen discription of what was wrong with the vehicle and how it was repaired, ask if the vehicle was purchased through insuance auction. See if the rebuilder offers warrenty. There are actually some cases where the factory warrenty is still in effect on newer vehicles. There are very reputable rebuilders and there are ones who do only the least necessary to pass the vehilce off. You have to do research on the builder as well as the vehicle CHECK FOR REFFERENCES ! ask for names of people who have purchased vehicles if this type from them before. In the case where the state inspects a vehicle for rebuild title you are better off. If there is no inspection beware of the vehicle. If you follow these guide lines you can purchase a vehicle that you will be pleased with and not have any problems.