RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — If you’re in the market for a used car, you may want to listen to a consumer alert from North Carolina Attorney General, Josh Stein’s Office.
His office warns of car dealers possibly selling flood-damaged cars after Hurricane Helene. It said, “A natural storm like Hurricane Helene opens the door for dishonest car dealers to prey on unsuspecting customers by selling them flood-damaged cars.”
The hurricane wreaked havoc on the western part of the state in late September. CARFAX estimates during this year’s hurricane season from June 1 to November 1, about 37,200 cars were damaged from floods.
CBS 17 spoke with the owner of Auto Interiors & Tops in Raleigh. He says they often see cars with water damage, so they know how to spot the signs, especially on the inside of a vehicle since interiors are their specialty.
“The carpet padding is a good indicator. You know, we can get the carpet pad, you know, feel the top see if it’s wet. And sometimes you’ll notice a musty odor in the car and that’s usually the biggest indicator,” said owner, Tommy Gardner. “Condensation on the glass. You can see some sweating that the car is closed up overnight.”