Attorney General Kwame Raoul said people should be on the lookout for used cars from Florida and South Carolina.
“Potentially thousands of vehicles have been damaged by the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian," Raoul said, "and those vehicles could start appearing for sale across our state. Flooded cars are often shipped to places hundreds of miles from areas hit by storms and may be dangerous to drive or pose health risks. The current tight market for used cars can make buyers more likely to rush into a sale, but I urge consumers to investigate the condition of any vehicles they are considering purchasing.”
He said most dealerships would be upfront about a vehicle's history, but some businesses may be motivated to sell damaged cars due to current used vehicle demand.
Raoul said these cars may be dangerous to drive or pose health risks, and you should always ask for the car's history before buying.
Raoul recommended some other tips:
-Before you buy any used car, have it inspected by a mechanic you trust.
-Ask the seller whether the car has been damaged by water or anything else, and have them put the answer in writing.
-Make sure that all gauges are in working condition.
-Check under the hood. Look for a water line that was marked by mud or silt.
For more information visit the Attorney General's website at https://ag.state.il.us/