Over 500,000 new and used vehicles were damaged in the recent floods and hurricanes but unfortunately, many of these vehicles make it into the hands of the general population. Although many states require that car titles specify when a car is flood damaged or salvaged but the descriptive terms vary from state to state. Scam artists can move the car to a less restrictive state and using the discrepancies in state standards to wash the car's flood history clean. Many of these cars are shipped far from the affected areas so don't assume that a car you're looking at couldn't be a flooded car just because you don't live near the flooded areas.

Have a professional mechanic closely inspected any vehicle that you're considering, used or new. Be alerted if the car price is significantly low. If a deal sound too good to be true, it probably is. Look for rust or fresh paint, mud, grit or mold and smelling mildew or strong air fresheners may be important tip-offs. Insist on seeing the car's existing titles. If the previous owner is an insurance company, find out how the company took ownership of the car. Also, check where the car was recently registered. If it's one of the areas affected by any recent hurricanes, you should be skeptical. Remember, problems caused by flood damage may not show up right away. You don't want to end up with a dream car that turns into a nightmare.

If you are looking to buy a car, I advise you to do your homework. Don't forget to check out our Tips & Auto Value Quotes Review section. We have the best car buying tips.