Buyer Beware: Safety Hazards of Flood-Damaged Vehicles

December 7 2012 - Millions of people in the eastern United States have suffered property damage and loss, widespread power outages, and major flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy. As recovery and restoration efforts get underway, it is extremely important for consumers to be aware of the safety impact of floods on their vehicles. Severe water damage can make vehicles’ electrical systems, including their airbag sensors, prone to failure. When a vehicle’s electrical systems have been compromised, it may no longer be safe or roadworthy. After Hurricane Katrina, for example, truckloads of flooded vehicles were taken out of Louisiana to states as far away as the upper Midwest, where they were dried out, cleaned, and sold. Purchasers of those vehicles may not have known that the vehicles had endured a saltwater flood that damaged their electrical systems.

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is designed to protect prospective buyers of used vehicles from concealed vehicle histories. Created by federal law, this system is the only publicly available system in the country that requires all insurance carriers, auto recyclers, junk and salvage yards, and states to report vehicle history information. An NMVTIS vehicle history report provides information on the five key indicators associated with preventing vehicle-related fraud and theft:
current state of title and last title date;

brand history, a descriptive label assigned by states to indicate a vehicle’s current or prior state—for example: "junk," "salvage," "flood;"

odometer reading;

total loss history; and

salvage history.

If a vehicle has a brand, total loss, or salvage history, then the consumer is warned that the vehicle may be unsafe (an NMVTIS report does not include repair histories, recall information, and other care and maintenance data available in alternative vehicle history reports).
Shop smart. Make sure you obtain an independent vehicle inspection and have all the information about a vehicle before you buy.
For more information about NMVTIS, visit www.vehiclehistory.gov .

Junk and Salvage Car Info - Did You Know?

Did You Know? Motor vehicles are the #1 recycled product in the US.

• In New Hampshire, over 50,000 vehicles reach their end of life each year — enough cars to fill both lanes of I-93 from Concord to Littleton!
• Over 85% of the material in motor vehicles, by weight, is recyclable.
• A single motor vehicle typically contains 5-10 gallons of fluid (gasoline, antifreeze, oil, etc.) when it’s scrapped.
• One gallon of gasoline can contaminate 750,000 gallons of water — enough water to supply the average American for 20 years.
• There are over 150 auto salvage yards in New Hampshire.
• New Hampshire auto salvage yards are required to be licensed by their local municipality, and must comply with state environmental requirements.

For information about auto recycling in general and best management practices for protecting the environment at auto salvage yards, contact:
N.H. Department of Environmental Services
nhgreenyards@des.nh.gov
(603) 271-2938

Car Crushing Video Shows Crushing Operation

Several cars that where involved in illegal street racing in Ontario, Ca - cars were impounded and crushed.  Video shows how cars are demolished and crushed.

Scrap Car and Vehicle Disposal YouTube Video

Dec 2 2012 - here is a video from a junk car recycling company - SCRAP VEHICLE DISPOSAL HOW TO SCRAP YOUR CAR VIDEO CHECK OUT THE WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILS www.scrap-vehicle-disposal.co.uk

Junk Car Prices around $10 per 100 lbs

Dec 2 2012 - There are numerous cars now that have been damaged by Hurricane Sandy that need to be junked, towed away and recycled.  Current prices for junk cars is around $10 per every 100lbs.  If you have a damaged car, flood damaged car or car damaged in any way by flood or Hurrican Sandy, then you need to make sure you get the bet pricng for your junk car.

There are many options for having your junk car removed.  One of the best options is to use a junk car service that will handle all your needs, no hassel and quick payment.  Here is a god option to try:

Sell Your Car Fast: Get a Quote from Junk my Car

Video Superstorm Sandy sends a flood of cars to the wreckers

VIDEO shows Superstorm Sandy left massive devastation in her wake, including an estimated 250,000 cars that are now headed to the junkyard. Sally Maggio, a New Jersey car garage owner, describes the end of the line for water-logged cars and explains why this boom in business is actually undercutting her profits. (November 14, 2012)

OK Attorney General Pruitt Warns Car Buyers of Storm-Damaged Vehicles Sold After Hurricane Sandy

Dec 1 2012 -

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt Wednesday warned Oklahomans to be aware of water-damaged cars from the East Coast that soon could be sold at Oklahoma car lots.

Among the many photos from this week’s devastating storm are images of cars floating in water. Once owners settle claims with their insurance companies, these cars could be repaired and resold to unsuspecting buyers in other states, including Oklahoma.

“By law, if a car has been damaged it should be clearly noted on its title,” Pruitt said. “However, unscrupulous sellers sometimes buy damaged cars cheap, make a few cosmetic changes and resell them at a high price.”

Here are a few tips to help protect Oklahoma consumers when buying used vehicles:
· Always purchase from a reputable dealer;
· Have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying;
· Ask questions about the vehicle’s history;
· Thoroughly inspect the car inside and out for signs of rust, mildew, mold, water stains and dents;
· Do a search on the car’s title;
· Remember the old adage that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Pruitt added that buying a flood damaged car is risky and can pose numerous safety and health hazards that might not appear until the seller is long gone.

To file a complaint, contact the Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission at (405) 521-3600 or fill out a consumer complaint form online at http://www.umvpc.state.ok.us/forms.htm.

For more consumer information, tips and resources, go online to www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb.nsf/Consumer or call the AG’s Public Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029.

Used Car Buyers: Beware of Hurricane Flood-Damaged Vehicles

Dec 1 2012 -
Used Car Buyers: Beware of Hurricane Flood-Damaged VehicleConsumers in the market for a used car should be on alert for flood-damaged vehicles.  Taking these extra precautions can save you time and money when buying a used vehicle:

 1. Buyers Beware! - While most states require vehicle titles to indicate flood damage, some wholesalers may intentionally transfer titles to avoid having the damage noted and diminish the value of the car.

2. Looks can be deceiving - While the car may look perfectly fine on the surface, there could be hidden defects that are not immediately noticeable. Flood damage can compromise the car’s computer and safety mechanisms, which pose significant safety hazards to the new owner.
 

3. Do your own inspection

Take the time to inspect the car for yourself

• Check the engine for a high water mark on the block or radiator, which is a clear indication that the car has been flooded.

Look for rust or corrosion on wires and other components under the hood.

You should be suspicious if the carpet smells damp and of mildew.
5. Ask questions Before buying the car, ask the dealer to obtain a report with a detailed history of the car. You should also consider taking the car to a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Comprehensive vehicle history reports are produced with the vehicle identification number (VIN) and are available for a fee from a variety of sources, including: • Carfax (www.carfax.com) • Auto Check (www.autocheck.com) • Consumer Guide (www.auto.consumerguide.com)

Source michigan.gov