Hidden water damage can be a concern for used truck buyers in Calgary. Most people believe passenger vehicles are often flood-damaged, but that may not be true for trucks. However, one should know that a used car that looks fine on the outside may still have flood damage. When considering buying a used truck Calgary, it is best to exercise caution and make all necessary checks to avoid costly repairs later.
If you are planning to shop for a used car, especially after major floods, you must do the following:
- Do not rely on location
Don’t think that vehicle shops in a region that hasn’t had floods in a long time will have flood-damaged used trucks. Flood-damaged vehicles are often moved to other areas and sold in regions that have not experienced recent flooding. This means you could come across a damaged truck even if you are buying a vehicle far from the affected area. According to experts, a reputable used truck dealer with a solid track record is less likely to sell a badly damaged vehicle without disclosure.
- Check the vehicle title
One of the most important things to do is check the truck’s title. A salvage title is a clear warning sign. It often means the used truck was declared a total loss by an insurance company.
However, you still need to be cautious, as a clean title does not always guarantee safety. This is because many buyers may not file a claim with an insurance company after flood damage. In such cases, the truck will have a clean title. Title rules also differ from state to state, and not all states require flood damage to be clearly mentioned.
Buyers should not rely solely on paperwork to avoid such mistakes when buying a used truck.
- Use vehicle history services
Many services track records of flood damage, theft, and accidents. These reports can be useful, but many focus mainly on passenger vehicles.
However, many services now also provide information on used trucks, which can be useful tools for obtaining additional details about a truck’s past. You can easily detect red flags by checking these records.
- Inspect the truck carefully
Often, electronic systems in a truck can be damaged by a flood. Just like a mobile phone, a truck’s computer and electronic components may stop working properly after being water-damaged. It is best to test all electrical parts, including dashboard displays, air conditioning, lights, and power windows. Any unusual behaviour could indicate flood damage.
Final words
Flood damage can be difficult to detect and may need costly repairs. Hidden issues may not appear even months after purchase.
Trucks that have been on roads for a long time and travelled far may have flood damage. The truck may seem fine today, but only a professional inspection can reveal if it may need repairs later. Go for a lab analysis as it can provide valuable information about used cars in Calgary.
Before buying a truck with signs of flood damage, be sure you are ready to pay for additional repairs. Some expensive repairs are likely if you decide to buy such a vehicle.