Cars that have been flooded are always the group of cars with significantly lower resale prices compared to cars of the same generation, same usage condition. The cause is not only in the psychological factor of the buyer but also stems from potential damages that directly affect the durability and operating capacity of the vehicle.
Mr. Dang Khac Cuong - owner of Viet Bac Car brand - said that in the used car market, it is not uncommon for a car worth about 500 million VND after being flooded, even after being repaired, to still have to be sold for 200-300 million VND lower. This is a common difference because buyers are always afraid of risks arising during use.
According to Mr. Cuong, a car is made of many different materials and systems, in which metal, electronic components and mechanical details are affected when soaked in water.
Metals can be oxidized and corroded over time, while electronic components are very prone to errors, intermittency or damage after a period of use, even when the car has been repaired.
More worryingly, flooded cars often no longer maintain their original durability. There are times when the car operates normally but there may also be unexpected errors, especially in the electrical system or difficult-to-access details for thorough repair.
According to Mr. Cuong's experience, used car buyers can recognize cars that have been flooded through some initial signs. First of all, the smell inside the interior compartment. Cars that have been flooded often have a moist or strange smell. If you detect cinnamon, pineapple or objects that create a strong smell in the car, buyers should be wary because this may also be a way to hide the remaining odor.
Next is to check the floor mat at the driver's footrest. If the floor mat has been removed for drying after water overflowed, the surface often shows signs of rutting or deformation.
In addition, under the car floor, there is a drainage hole sealed by the manufacturer. When handling flooded cars, technicians often have to pry open this lid to discharge water and then glue it back together. Careful observation can still recognize traces of intervention.
Buyers should also check the undercarriage of the seats to detect abnormal rust.
For cases that need to be assessed more accurately, Mr. Cuong recommends using a specialized car endoscopy. This device helps observe hidden crevices inside the car body to detect mud, water residue or signs of rust that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
No matter how well cleaned, cars that have been flooded may still have dirt or dry water residue in the ditches. Therefore, before deciding to buy an old car, consumers should check the maintenance history, request repair records and take the car to a reputable garage for overall assessment.
This is an effective way to limit the risk of buying a car that has been flooded but is refurbished to hide potential damage.
