AAA warns about buying flood-damaged cars

TULSA - In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, AAA is warning would-be car buyers to be on the look out for flood-damaged cars.
 
AAA says you should always have a mechanic you trust check out a vehicle before you buy it.

As for flood-damaged vehicles, AAA says they can pop up anywhere, even hundreds of miles away from the flooded areas.

Obvious signs are dried mud under the hood and a damp and musty odor in the trunk or interior.
   
New carpet in an older vehicle is a warning sign too.
     
AAA recommends you also flex some of the wires under the dash board.
     
Wet wires will become brittle when they dry and may crack.
   
AAA says you especially need to be on the lookout for water-damaged cars during the next few months.
   
Many times, AAA says owners of those vehicles will hold off a while before trying to sell them, waiting for would-be customers to forget about all those floods.