Flood damaged cars.

[Tfp]

Just a reminder people for anyone looking to buy a car at the moment.

Most of them will be subject to insurance and written off but not all, some will find their way to auctions, a few will be sold private by their owners.

It can be difficult to spot once they've all been dried out, interiors removed and cleaned, thoroughly steam cleaned under bonnet etc.

Stick your head under the bonnet where steam cleaners cannot get, you're looking for a brown residue. Shine a torch into holes under the bonnet, underneath the front panel, hard to clean bits like the radiator, hard to reach bits like on top of the diff (yes, crawl underneath the motor)

I buy cars every week and I've seen two now so they are out there.

Tim

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Thanks for the warning Tim, I would have thought that there were some very desirable cars out there that had been flooded out. Perhaps one or two would be worth a punt if they could be bought for the right money.

Mike

 

[Tfp]

Thanks for the warning Tim, I would have thought that there were some very desirable cars out there that had been flooded out. Perhaps one or two would be worth a punt if they could be bought for the right money.

Mike

Yes, I think some lovely cars may come on to the market that may have never have done before getting caught in the floods.

I'm not sure of the long term effects of a flood damaged motor, maybe an experienced mechanic can shed some light on this?

Electrical components can be easily replaced, wiring looms may be ok if dried out? I'm not sure...

I once had a Bora that let a load of water in the cabin because of a blocked sunroof drain hole. Removed the interior, replaced a module and let it dry out. The car was fine for the year or so I had it after that.

I think if the water's gone above the dash I'd steer well clear.

But as you say Mike, maybe some will be worth having if they're cheap enough, plenty of cars breaking out there, a whole new interior wouldn't be hard to find.

 

[Antm72]

I remember buying my first zed from Swansea way, the amount of water in it was alarming .It was a year of non stop rain for a long period of time but its surprising the amount of wires that run under the insulation on the floor in a zed all of which had had 2-3" of water covering them. After i dryed it out i never had any issues at all with anything, but the slightest cable knick could have spelt trouble so was rather lucky on that occasion.

 

[andyglym]

Nice one and good shout.

 

[t-tony]

Not many "modern" cars which have been totally immersed in water would survive the experience. We have a company who's vans we service at work and in the last lot of flooding an 8 month old van was flooded up to half way and all the electronics were dead. Vehicle was scrapped.

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

Good advise thanks. I remember the last bout of these passing through.
Swollen interiors, failed airbags, fusty smelling inside are all common in these cars. There was website last time round specialising in flood damaged cars but I can't remember the name sorry. As @Tfp says please be careful!

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

I wasn't thinking of modern cars, classic cars get flooded as well. A Morgan or Austin Healy would be nice!

Mike

 

[pgunter]

If it was a morgan, with that ash frame.. might it not float..

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

If it was a morgan, with that ash frame.. might it not float..

It's still got a steel chassis, engine and running gear, Paul, to keep it under water.

Mike