As estimated by money.pl, there may be as many as several thousand cars on the Polish market that have been flooded as a result of the downpour. Experts suggest what to look for in order not to be fooled and buy a defective car.
A musty smell, problems with electronics, peeling off the headliner – these are all symptoms that may indicate that the car has been flooded earlier. Cars after a flood in an ideal world should not reach the market, but not only that they are imported from Germany to Poland in wholesale quantities, in addition, no seller admits damage to them.
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You should learn to recognize post-flood cars yourself to avoid unpleasant surprises.
– Flood vehicles are already in Poland and this is confirmed by my first-hand information from traders from the Lubuskie Voivodeship. And if they are there, also throughout Poland – says Łukasz Szarama, an automotive industry expert and court expert, to money.pl.
He has already completed legal intervention related to the purchase of a post-flood car. His client bought a car flooded up to the dashboard.
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How many cars are imported in Poland after the flood in Germany? According to Łukasz Szrama, even several thousand. Unfortunately, although a system with consumer data could be useful to check whether the car has been withdrawn from traffic, there is no such system.
– Anyway, in Poland there is also lobbying for such a system not to exist and therefore we will not find out how many such vehicles have been flooded in our country. Our native cars after flooding pose no less threat, both for the finances of the future buyer of such an “opportunity” and for the road safety of all participants – says Łukasz Szarama.
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How to recognize a flooded car?
What to look for when buying a car to make sure it is not flooded? Money.pl has collected the opinions of experts and users of automotive forums.
- A flooded car may have problems with its electronics due to damage to its electrical circuits with water.
- The seat belts can be unfolded as much as possible. If they are wet at the roots, it is a sign that the car was flooded.
- A detachable headliner may be a sign of a recently flooded car.
- The condition of the floor can also tell if it has not been soaked with moisture.
- A noticeable mustiness is a clear sign that the car is flooded.
- If the bands under the hood look freshly washed, it is suspicious and may indicate a flooding of the car.
- It’s best not to buy cars imported from Germany.
- If we already buy a car, do not lower the purchase amount in the contract, it will take revenge on us in the event of a possible complaint.
- Suspended scented Christmas trees or constant airing of the car (standing with open windows) may indicate its earlier flooding.
- At a professional point of sale, mechanics will check all these signs with a professional eye.
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