In the wake of Hurricane Sandy; how can I tell if a car has water damage?

Asked by Karen Nov 12, 2012 at 01:02 PM about the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I am looking for a used mini cooper clubman with automatic and low milage. I want to make sure the in no water
damage.

6 Answers

9,685

Carfax would be your best bet for making sure a vehicle wasn't damaged in any way.

14,905

carfax accounts for documented damage, such as insurance claims...a good wash/detail removes water marks, the best way to confirm water damage is by looking in the transmission fluid/having it changed, if water was high enough to enter the trans breather then no good.....and noone thinks to check or change it.

2 people found this helpful.
5,895

Check the engine bay for water marks, or discoloration. Get down and look beneath the vehicle for anything out of the ordinary. Sniff the carpet. If there was any standing water, the insulation will still be damp, which will cause mold. The mold will emit an odor. Your best bet is to look for a vehicle outside of flooded areas. Combine that with a Carfax and you will be in good shape.

2 people found this helpful.
14,905

michael, most respectable detailers use an ionizer, which kills all mold, smells (cigarettes) and moisture!!!!!!!!!:( thats why the only complete way is the only thing noone thinks to touch.....the trans...

1 people found this helpful.

The first and most logical way to avoid buying a used car that's really a lemon is by purchasing a car history report. Only do this if you are leaning toward buying a used car; if you do it for every car you consider, you'll end up spending a lot of money. Carfax is the most popular and also the most expensive. You can use other companies for a cheaper price for an equally reliable report http://bit.ly/50OFF_VIN_CHECK

Your Answer:

Cooper Clubman

Looking for a Used Cooper Clubman in your area?

CarGurus has 69 nationwide Cooper Clubman listings starting at $4,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Amandarutt4950
    Reputation
    890
  • #2
    Guru53CZ5
    Reputation
    360
  • #3
    Sponger128
    Reputation
    270
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
29 Great Deals out of 643 listings starting at $3,995
Used MINI Countryman
15 Great Deals out of 300 listings starting at $6,950
Used Jeep Wrangler
144 Great Deals out of 5,930 listings starting at $8,995
Used MINI Cooper Coupe
6 listings starting at $9,995
Used BMW 3 Series
66 Great Deals out of 1,237 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda CR-V
157 Great Deals out of 4,953 listings starting at $440
Used Volkswagen Beetle
14 Great Deals out of 181 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda Civic
190 Great Deals out of 4,208 listings starting at $2,916
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 684 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Forester
26 Great Deals out of 1,375 listings starting at $3,495
Used Ford Mustang
61 Great Deals out of 1,603 listings starting at $6,500
Used Honda Accord
59 Great Deals out of 1,026 listings starting at $2,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.