Hello All,

I am considering buying a new S60 T5 Inscription. 500 miles. It has a rebuilt title from flood damage. It looks, runs, and drives perfectly. Because it has a branded title from flood loss the factory warranty is voided.

Based on the great price I have considered buying, despite no longer having warranty. Would love to hear about any common problems, mechanical or otherwise, to help me decide my willingness to take this on.

Thanks very much. Paul

 

You may end up with a world of hurt.

The amount of electrical connectors, control modules and wiring in modern cars that can and will corroded due to water ingress is amazing. These kind of issues will not show up right away.
So unless you can get it for nearly free you may end up spending a lot of money fixing things in the future.

There is a reason people run away from flood cars.

 

Understood - thanks. I have been leaning toward waving off the flooded car, if for no other reason - the unknown. It just seems so nice to get a $46K car for $25K.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Most of the problems with cars these days (at least for reasonably maintained vehicles) is not mechanical, it's the electrical connections, controls, sensors, and boards. With flood damage, you know all of that has been compromised. To what extend it has been compromised, is entirely a roulette wheel. Also consider the potential of health concerns that are going to be hidden by the fabric, leather, and gaps throughout the vehicle. There's simply no feasible way to know for sure what it has been exposed to, or what it mold is growing in odd crevices.

I have a good friend who has made a small fortune buying flood damaged luxury vehicles, rehabilitating them, and flipping them. He doesn't keep them for himself...

 

All good points. I am sold! While the potential is there to have a great deal, 2-3 repairs could eat up all of the initial savings. Thanks again.