Thanks to News Hub - We have shared this information to remind you that Flood Damaged Vehicles are out there & what we need to be checking or avoid -
Especially in the Lead up to the Christmas Holidays and Summer Road trips,
As Kooky Problems start to begin .... BUYERS BEWARE ....
"As widespread flooding caused havoc across the northern North Island, hundreds of people will be looking to replace their water-damaged cars. However, unfortunately, as people flock to buy a car there will also be people looking to offload their flood-damaged vehicles".
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is urging prospective buyers to bring in a third party to inspect second-hand cars to ensure its up to scratch.
While many vehicles will be written off by insurers, MTA warned some won't - and others won't have been insured at all.
"Flood damage can sometimes be difficult to determine, and it may take time before problems show up in the form of electrical failures and corrosion," MTA Dealers sector manager Tony Everett said in a statement.
"People selling privately may be unaware of the true extent of damage to their vehicle, or dare we say it, might not disclose that it was in the floods to a prospective buyer."
MTA strongly recommends anyone purchasing a second-hand car in a private sale to get an expert's professional opinion on its roadworthiness and safety.
"Don't be tempted into buying in a quick private sale with a cheap price - it could come back to haunt you," Everett said.
"The last thing you want is to buy a second-hand car, then two months later, the electronics or safety features shut down."
Buying from a dealer, especially an MTA member, offers the best protection for buyers, Everett said.
He said the floods will have an impact on supply but there are still yards with unaffected stock in the region and around the country.
For customers buying out of town, they are advised to seek a pre-purchase check before making any final decisions.
"Better to check before you buy than after it lands in your care," Everett said.
MTA said it is in discussions with Waka Kotahi NZTA on how registered and unregistered vehicles are to be tracked as flood damaged and will be working with auction houses and online marketplaces.