Carfax estimates that hurricanes Beryl and Helene left a trail of destruction, affecting not just homes and communities but also a significant number of vehicles.
The flood-damaged cars are becoming a big problem for buyers in the used car market. Some sellers are honest about the car's history, but others might try to hide the damage. This means buyers need to be extra careful, especially in areas where there are more flood-damaged cars.
Water damage can cause all sorts of issues. Right away, it can mess up the engine, transmission, and brakes. But the problems don't stop there. Weeks or even months after buying a flood-damaged car, electrical problems can pop up. These can affect the computer systems and wiring, leading to safety concerns like airbag malfunctions and short circuits.
Florida and Texas got hit the hardest. Miami and Fort Lauderdale saw the most with 23,200 cars affected. Fort Myers and Naples had 11,000, while Tampa and St. Petersburg (including Sarasota) had 8,700. Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne weren't far behind with 8,500 damaged cars.
Texas also took a big hit. Houston alone had 29,000 flood-damaged cars, and Dallas had another 12,800. But the problem isn't just in these states. Cities like Chicago and New York are also seeing these cars show up in their markets.
Source: Autoblog
