Buyer beware: Flooded cars flood Pennsylvania market

It's a fact that could impact your safety and your money: Pennsylvania ranks third in the U.S. for having previously flooded cars out on the road.

It's perfectly legal, but some criminals target unsuspecting customers, especially after Hurricane Harvey.

11 Investigates' Katherine Amenta traveled to Virginia to talk to CARFAX about how to protect yourself and your wallet.

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In August 2017, 52 inches of rain from Hurricane Harvey rotted and rusted everything in its path in Houston. Thousands of cars were left underwater and were seemingly destroyed.

But 11 Investigates found out about half of those cars are already getting new life, and some could be in the Pittsburgh area.

"When they get into the hands of people who want to rip you off, they're moving these cars around the country," said Chris Basso, a public relations manager for CARFAX. "(Thieves are) getting clean titles and reselling them to unsuspecting customers who are losing thousands of dollars."

At CARFAX headquarters, employees are working to get the word out about bogus sellers and online scammers. It is legal to sell a flooded car, but it requires proper documentation.

Basso said if scammers forge the title and clean up the car just enough for appearances, you could be buying a ticking time bomb.

"If you don't know what you're buying, you could be in a heap of trouble," said Basso.

Basso showed 11 Investigates  a car flooded by Harvey to see the warning signs. At first glance, it doesn't look damaged at all. But the signs are actually glaring.

First, you should check the headlights and taillights.

"Look at all this water inside the taillight. That's water from Hurricane Harvey. That's a good sign this car was submerged in water," he said.

Smell the car as well. If the car smells at all musty, that's a sign there may have been water inside it.

Then look for rust and corrosion. If you know where to look, you'll find it. Check under the steering wheel by the pedals, under the hood near the engine, and the rotors on the wheels. Basically, you want to give the car's entire frame and undercarriage a once-over.

Also, before you buy a car, check its CARFAX. Test-drive it to see if there are any problems with the transmission, safety features or dashboard lights, and have an independent mechanic inspect it.

Because of all the flooded cars impacted by the hurricanes last year, CARFAX is offering free checks of VINs on their website.

If you think you may have been scammed, contact the PA Attorney General's office to file a complaint.

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