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Thomas
03-25-2006, 12:36 AM
Katrina Damaged Cars Hit Local Market
March 23, 2006


SEATTLE - More than half a million mud-caked, water-logged cars damaged by Hurricane Katrina are not even good for salvage. But Instead of being scrapped and sold for parts, some of these cars are turning up for sale.

Shipments of Katrina cars have recently been spotted in our state. We're talking about cars, trucks, and SUVs that should not be sold to anyone for transportation.

After being submerged in muddy, salt water for days and totaled by insurance companies, the flood-damaged cars have been picked up by scammers who clean them up and sell them. If you buy one, you're getting a car that's literally corroding from the inside out.

Making Their Way Up The Coast

The flood-damaged cars are making their way from the Gulf Coast up the Eastern seaboard, through the Midwest and along the West Coast.

So far, car dealers and law enforcement investigators have reported them turning up at auto auctions, and in once case a car lot, in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

Through phone calls made across the country this week, I discovered a Katrina car was sold to a Seattle dealer from a dealer in Bellingham.

Cliff Chezum, a former Washington State Patrol inspector and current local spokesman for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, says it appears the Seattle dealer had the car inspected to confirm it was a flood-damaged car from the Gulf Coast.

Most dealers are on alert, but unscrupulous sellers are not above making a buck at the consumer's expense. A new alert went out this week about a convoy of Katrina cars recently spotted heading north from Vancouver.

Another new alert this month cites more that 150 Katrina cars secretly re-titled in Arkansas that could be heading our way.

They Make The Car Look Good To You

"They're gonna make the car look good to you," said Jerry Johnson, owner of Johnson's Auto Repair in Seattle. The long-time certified technician was just in Mississippi in January and says the warning signs for flood damage are hidden.

You have to know where to look. "Up in here, underneath the dash," Johnson said, reaching under the dash board.

Mud is a clear sign of water damage. Mud under the dash board means the electronics have been wet and will ultimately rot, short or break.

Johnson says you should also look for mud in the moldings under the seats, in the panels and storage compartments in the trunk, and recessed areas underneath the car where steam cleaning can't reach.

Other signs: oxidation, rust in areas of the car that would not normally get wet, a green patina on copper parts, and white powder and pitting on aluminum and alloys. Also be ware of musty, moldy odors covered up by deodorizers or shampoo.

The cars may look great and seem to run great, but water damage is slowly destroying them from the inside out.

"Your locks, your mirrors, every single thing on your car- they'll start acting up and from then, once you open that, it's kinda like a Pandora's box," said Johnson.

Which is why the best thing to do is have an experienced, certified pro to examine the car first.In fact, flood-damage is not the only problem you should worry about when buying a used car.

Used Cars A Top Consumer Complaint

Used cars are still among the top consumer complaints in this state.

Here are seven common problems found during inspections: Worn brakes, bad transmission, bad engine, oil leaks, shot steering, rusted parts and defective or missing airbags.

Bottom line - regardless of where it's from, if it's a used car pay an independent, certified mechanic to go over it with a fine-toothed comb before you buy.

Check the vehicle identification number to verity its title and history. Consider a certified used car from a reputable, established dealer, but still - get it checked.

Knowing what work will need to be done down the road gives you information to negotiate a better price, or in necessary, pass on the car for something better.

When asked what percentage of used cars he advises his customers to turn down, Johnson said he finds significant problems in the majority of used cars he inspects.

"I would say 60% of them we tell our customers 'Don't buy,' " he said.

Check VINs Online

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reminds consumers that if you buy a car that has been salvaged buy the insurance company, the problems that result from the flood-damage will not be covered by your insurance policy. A claim has already been paid out, which is why the car should not be sold.

NCIB has compiled a data bank with the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) of the nearly 600 thousand cars, trucks and SUVs that may be cleaned up and put back on the market with their flood-damaged history hidden illegally.

The information is also available for the HIN or Hull Identification Numbers on flood-damaged boats.

CARFAX, the online vehicle data history site, is also a good source to check the title and background on used cars. CARFAX is also helping monitor the movement of flooded cars across the country.

While the data base cannot catch all cars whose titles have been illegally washed, if you use it along with the NICB site and an independent inspection, you'll have the best chance of getting a used car you can rely on and feel good about.

For More Information:

http://www.nicb.org/

http://www.carfax.com/

Экспортёр
03-25-2006, 05:22 AM
Это из раздела "Очевидное-Невероятное"?! По-моему, этого и следовало ожидать... В Россию и СНГ их уходит НАМНОГО больше!