flood cars

[fordperson]

Hey, Im considering buying a flood car... I would repair it myself...
so far I figured Id need new electronics(which I have from my old car), new interior, carpeting etc...

Now there is one particular thing I want to avoid at all cost and that is RUST. Do flood cars rust? how long do they have to be in the water to start rusting? how long after the flood do they start rusting? Does it matter what kind of flood? salt water or fresh?(salt would corode more)

Let me know,
Tom

[jncodave]

Yes flood cars do rust. how bad it is depends on a number of things. What type of car is it? (year, make, model). It also depends on how long the car was submerged and how well it was taken care of after it was recovered. I dont know if salt water is worse than fresh but i would imagine so. Your biggest problem area i imagine would be the floorboards, because they arent protected as well and they hold water. How are you buying the car? (Online, Auction, Private seller) If it is possible, look the car over very thouroughly, pulling up the carpet if possible, look inside the trunk and in the wheel wells. Also dont forget to look over the entire engine and engine compartment. If you are buying online, ask the seller to send you pictures of these things. Hope this helps

[Autopro]

I agree flood cars do rust. I had a chevy that was flooded and it was never the same after that. I drained the gas tank, engine oil, changed all the filters transmission fluid, took the carb off cleaned it and I did things I can't remember right now. The interior was shot and the smell never went away. I ended up giving the car away. I don't reccommend getting a flood car even if you get it free. It's not worth the time and money spent.


AutoPro

[hopeless4life]

I agree with autopro, water gets into spots thatd you'd never think of when they are submerged, which equals rust, among other things.

[vasau]

Do you think I wasted my money buying a flood 2002 mitsubishi galant gtz for $6500. The car has 32000 miles and there's no problems with it.

[Autopro]

I can't answer that. It depends how bad it was flooded and how long. Was the vehicle completely submerged and for how long an hour a week a month etc.

Most dealers won't touch a flood car and from my experiences I won't either. Only time will tell and I hope you don't have any problems. You did get a deal and it is a very nice car. The best to you and your car.


AutoPro