Storms swamped streets, cars, and homes this week as heavy rain brought flooding across New Jersey. Images of cars submerged along roads and highways were plastered all over social media.
The floodwaters may have receded, but they left another challenge for future car-buyers: how to avoid buying a compromised vehicle.
“Vehicles damaged by floods have often ended up in the marketplace being sold to unsuspecting consumers,” warns a tip sheet on spotting flood-damaged cars from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Three destroyed cars caught in the flood in the aftermath of flash flooding on Parkview Ave in North Plainfield on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
It’s important that consumers know if a car they are buying has water damage because these can have major electrical problems, which can be costly to repair, adds AAA.
Tips for spotting a flood-damaged car
If you are looking to purchase a car, here are some signs of water damage you can spot before you buy, courtesy of the DCA:
Smell for any musty or moldy smells.
Test all the electronic components of the car.
Look for watermarks as well as dirt and sand throughout the car’s interior. Check under seats and the dashboard as well as in the engine bay and trunk.
See if there’s condensation in the vehicle’s taillights and headlights.
Search for rusting screws and springs as well as for rust around the rim of the spare tire.
Consumers can also look up the vehicle’s VIN number to check its condition and history through an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems Data provider. Getting a mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchasing isn’t a bad idea either.
“The vehicle history report may disclose that the vehicle’s title has received a ‘flood’ brand (as well as reveal any prior accidents or odometer discrepancies),” the Division said.
Watch out for ‘title washing’
Still, important information like flood damage can be removed from a car’s record through a process called title washing, which can happen if the vehicle is moved from one state to another, according to automotive website Kelley Blue Book.
“The best defense is a good offense,” Kelley Blue Book advised. “It also pays to complement a vehicle history check with a thorough inspection by a trusted and certified mechanic.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to tell if a car has been damaged in a flood, NJ drivers