At Mercedes-Benz of Naples, we ensure that any pre-owned cars we sell have undergone a rigorous inspection for flood damage. As a result of the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Ian, there may soon be a large amount of flood-damaged cars entering the pre-owned car market. Unfortunately for dealers and consumers alike, only some flood-damaged vehicles end up in the junkyard where they belong.
Some cars are repaired, transported, and resold, all while concealing the car’s history from potential resellers and buyers. According to Carfax, almost 380,000 flooded vehicles ended up back on the road in 2021. Following Hurricane Ian, the unfortunate truth is that many damaged cars will be stealthily introduced into the pre-owned car market.
Our team of experts has inspected all pre-owned cars sold at Mercedes-Benz of Naples and cleared them for flood damage. Rather than buying a pre-owned car from a private seller or an unlicensed dealership, shop with us—we can 100% vouch for the condition of your next vehicle.
Unfortunately, flooding doesn’t always leave visible traces on a car. Some damage is out of sight or difficult to detect without training. The elusive nature of flood damage means it is essential to use experts when determining whether a car you are considering might have previously been damaged by flooding.
At Mercedes-Benz of Naples, our flood damage inspection includes the following components:
For any pre-owned Mercedes we sell, we obtain a reputable report and examine it for any title issues related to water damage.
We also inspect the body for rust, focusing on concealed areas like spare tire wells, the underside of the hood, and beneath the seats.
Vehicles that have been submerged in water or have suffered extensive water damage generally have more corrosion than most cars, with corrosion in unusual places. As part of a corrosion check, we examine electrical components, such as cables, battery terminals, and fuse blocks.
As we all know, water and electricity do not mix well. We thoroughly inspect all of the electrical systems in our pre-owned cars, from lights to window controls and door locks.
Floodwater is often not pure water and usually brings sand and mud into the vehicle, lodging it in the car’s nooks and crannies. We check under the carpeting, the seats, and the engine bay.
Fogging in the interior or exterior lights is a tell-tale sign of possible flood damage.
We thoroughly check the upholstery for water staining. A tell-tale sign of flood damage is water stains on upholstery or a visible line where water has reached a certain height in the interior of a car. Sometimes, a small stain results from a minor spillage, but flood damage presents as large stains, discoloration, swelling, and tide lines.
If you are looking for a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, we can guarantee that cars at our dealership have undergone rigorous flood inspections and have passed all of our requirements. Still unsure? Consider purchasing a new vehicle from our lot.
In addition to offering flood damage inspections, we can also provide our consumers with advice regarding flood damage repair and restoration for existing vehicles. Many car owners may have suffered some damage due to Hurricane Ian. Luckily, not all flood damage is irreparable and minor flooding will not always have long-lasting effects. Get in touch today for advice if your Mercedes has suffered water damage.
Mercedes-Benz of Naples services Lee County, Collier County, Bonita Springs, and Naples, Florida. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about our flood inspections or related services. Our expert customer service team is always happy to speak with you.
The price you see does not include any additional features or modifications. We promise a fair and honest price for your car.
