Michigan’s Attorney General Mike Cox warned consumers about the danger of flood-damaged vehicles. A Consumer Alert, Used Vehicle Buyers Watch for Flood Damage, posted to the attorney general’s Web site provides tips to avoid unpleasant surprises.
“There may be half a million vehicles that were severely damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” Cox said. “Consumers need to be on guard against vehicles that may have been repaired, moved to Michigan, and offered for sale without an indication of the previous damage.”
Cox cautions that without full disclosure, the buyer pays too much for the vehicle and risks costly repairs, hassles, and, most importantly, even physical danger. Used car buyers should have used vehicles thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.
In addition to tips for detecting flood-damaged vehicles, the consumer alert references free tools to check the history of a used vehicle offered by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Carfax and AutoCheck.
Cox said that his office will take action against any business that knowingly sells a storm-damaged vehicle to a Michigan consumer without disclosing the damage. Consumers can report fraud complaints by calling (877) SOLVE-88 or at: www.michigan.gov/ag.
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