[Ranch41]

I am planning to get a new Camaro and was reading up on some of the problems out there. I was reminded that much of the country suffered hurricane and flood damage.

With my new car purchase in mind, how do I ensure that my new car was not previously flooded inventory? I am seeking out a 2018 ZL1 and don't mind waiting for a factory ordered vehicle.

[Jsreo]

You only have to worry about flood damage if you buy used, any new flood damaged cars would be covered by dealers insurance

[ShadySS]

If you're buying new from a chevy dealership I'd doubt you'd have an issue with flooded cars.

Now if you're buying from a Used car dealer then I'd just carefully inspect the vehicle, ask for carfax, lift up carpet and look for signs of water damage, mold, rust, etc.

[Ranch41]

So if a dealership suffers water damage and files a claim, the title will reflect salvage if totaled but what about partial damage? Maybe sitting in water but not totally flooded where maybe the dealership cleaned up any minor damage and did not file a claim, would this be reflected on carmax or something else? What about cars transferred from other dealerships, is it just the reputation of the local dealership I am depending on not sell damaged/corrected cars from other dealerships? What are the rules or notifications in this event? I mean I have bought a bunch of new cars before but have nevered verified the chain of custody of the vehicle from car plant to shipper to dealership. Just want to be sure I'm not picking up someone else's problem.

[Glen e]

No need to be this paranoid. You are overthinking it.Any Z coming into the dealership can be traced to where it came from, and z’s are so new that probably none of them have gone through any type of flood damage. A dealership can tell where a car has been sent since the factory produced it.

Now a car bought from an independent wholesaler/ lot on the corner, non-authorized, is a different story.

[Rooster OG]

Just order one the way you want if you’re that concerned.

[sengli]

Look for the periscope mounts, on the roof. If they are there, do not buy.

[glenB]

First, not much was flooded unless you think the lower point of Texas is 'much of the country'. I see you're from California so I'd say you don't think that you believe the country rotates around Texas like they do.

Any car sold as 'used' has its own set of problems but, with the flooding Texas had, any cars rescued from there will be too expensive to fix. Many of those cars were steering deep in water which means 90% of the computers and electric motors would need to be replaced. So if it's a good deal..... run

[mlee]

We have acres and acres of flooded cars sitting out here. None of them can even get a salvage title. Had a friend buy a brand new one at auction but he's going to make a full blown drag car out of it so didn't need the title stuff.

[ZED SLED]

Most 2018s were piles of sheet metal sitting in Lansing, MI when the hurricanes hit.

[mcintyre1969]

Originally Posted by glenB

First, not much was flooded unless you think the lower point of Texas is 'much of the country'. I see you're from California so I'd say you don't think that you believe the country rotates around Texas like they do.

Any car sold as 'used' has its own set of problems but, with the flooding Texas had, any cars rescued from there will be too expensive to fix. Many of those cars were steering deep in water which means 90% of the computers and electric motors would need to be replaced. So if it's a good deal..... run

Them's fighting words!