How to avoid buying a flooded car from Superstorm Sandy

Check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System at vehiclehistory.gov before you buy a car. Insurers, self-insured entities, salvage pools, auctions and junkyards in all 50 states are required to report all total-loss vehicles to this Justice Department database within 30 days. For newer vehicles that are within a warranty period, call the manufacturer and ask if it is still honoring the warranty. If it’s not, ask why. A free vehicle information number check is also available from the National Insurance Crime Bureau at www.nicb.org  (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

Check title histories, which should indicate whether the car was registered in the flood area.  (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

Get any car inspected by a trustworthy auto technician who can detect signs of flood damage.  (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

Look at the headlights and taillights; moisture can be trapped, making them appear foggy. Check anyplace where debris might settle after the water drains, such as wheel wells, in the seating tracks, under the spare tire, etc.  (John Minchillo / Associated Press)

If the vehicle is relatively new or still within the factory warranty period, get the vehicle identification number and call the manufacturer to ask if they will honor the warranty -- if it’s a flood car, they won’t honor the warranty, even if it’s new. Before you buy, insist on getting confirmation in writing that the manufacturer will honor the warranty.  (Charles Sykes / Associated Press)