PINELLAS COUNTY – The Florida Attorney General’s Office and Pinellas County Justice and Consumer Services are warning Floridians to exercise caution regarding buying used vehicles that could have been flood-damaged by last year’s hurricanes and floods.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing a used vehicle:
• A flooded car is the personal property of the owner and it’s not illegal to sell it, but the buyer and seller should be aware that the car has been flooded.
• Some sellers may try to scam the buyer by concealing the car’s water damage and the buyer could end up with a car that has serious problems caused by the flood water.
• Common problem areas in flood cars include the engine, anti-lock brake system, airbag systems that may malfunction, ruined electrical components and mold and mildew throughout the air conditioning and heating systems.
For information on consumer issues, call the Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Services at 464-6200, or visit www.pinellascounty.org.
