Key Takeaways
- Flood damage can destroy electrical systems months after purchase.
- Check seat rails and dashboard brackets for untreated rust.
- A "clean title" does not guarantee the car wasn't flooded.
1. The Smell Test (And The Cover-Up)
The first sign is often olfactory. If a car smells like a wet dog or old basement, walk away. But be even more suspicious of cars that smell too good.
Red Flag: Overwhelming scent of air freshener, carpet shampoo, or industrial cleaner. Sellers use "ozone treatments" to kill mold spores, leaving a distinct swimming-pool bleach smell.
2. Check the Seat Rails
This is a pro tip that most detailed cleaners miss. Push the front seats all the way forward and look at the metal tracks bolted to the floor.
Factory rails usually have a coating or paint. Surface rust here is abnormal for a cabin that should be dry. Look for silt or mud packed into the grease of the tracks.
Warning: Title Washing
Cars moved from flood zones to other states often get "clean titles" issued in the new state. Never rely solely on a title check.
3. The Electronic Module Check
Modern cars have computers (ECUs) mounted low in the kick panels or under seats. These are the first to submerge. While you can't take the car apart, you can look for water lines on the firewall under the dashboard using a flashlight.
Check all electronic features: power windows, seat memory, infotainment system, and especially the A/C. Intermittent electrical issues are a classic sign of water damage to wiring harnesses.
4. Inspect the Trunk and Spare Tire Well
Lift the trunk carpet and pull out the spare tire. Look for water stains, silt deposits, or a damp spare tire well. This area is often overlooked during cosmetic cleanup.
Check the trunk seal for mud or debris packed into the rubber gasket. A vehicle that has been submerged will often have silt trapped in areas that are nearly impossible to clean completely.
5. Check the Vehicle History Thoroughly
Run a comprehensive vehicle history report from multiple sources (Carfax, AutoCheck, NMVTIS). Look for gaps in service history, changes in registration state, and any insurance claims.
Pay special attention to vehicles that were recently registered in a new state — this is a common sign of title washing, where a branded flood title is replaced with a clean one by re-registering in a different jurisdiction.