What we all know:
Tampa – A brand new research from CARFAX <https://www.carfax.com/flood> exhibits Florida has overtaken different states for the very best variety of flood-damaged automobiles on the used automotive market in 2025. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota space ranks second solely to Houston in U.S. cities with essentially the most of those vehicles again on the highway.Nationwide, CARFAX estimates there are over 482,000 automobiles with flood or water injury on the streets, with a further 45,000 impacted after storms this yr alone.
Why It Issues:
Whereas these automobiles typically look “showroom recent,” specialists say they’ll conceal electrical issues, mildew, and inner corrosion that would put drivers and passengers in danger, both instantly or years later. “They’re actually rotting from the within out,” mentioned Em Nguyen, PR Director at CARFAX.
What you are able to do:
Consultants suggest consumers take these steps earlier than buying:
- Verify the VIN via CARFAX or the DMV for a flood-damage historical past.
- Examine in particular person — scent for mildew, really feel for damp upholstery, and examine for mismatched inside components.
- Look carefully at lights — foggy moisture inside headlights or taillights is a pink flag.
- Have a mechanic examine the automotive earlier than shopping for. “We actually need to be conscious about what we’re shopping for. We’ve gotta look previous the paint,” mentioned AAA’s Ben Perricone.
The Supply: This story relies on knowledge and skilled interviews from CARFAX and AAA, together with reporting by FOX 13’s Jennifer Kveglis.
