As we
all know, the eastern coast of the United States was devastated by Hurricane
Sandy in late October 2012. Incidentally, the east
coast is where the major Ports are located. One of these major Ports is at Bayonne, New Jersey.
After the storm, it was revealed that more than 10,000 cars awaiting shipment to Africa and
South America were severely damaged. The damages include:
· Flood Damage
· Fire Damage
· Body Damage
The damages were so severe that the shipping lines refused to accept the cars for shipment and asked the owners to remove them from the Port. If you are wondering why the shipping lines refused to continue with the shipping, it is because the cars were no longer functional.
To load a car on ship, somebody has to actually start it and drive it onto the ship. If a
car cannot start, most shipping lines will not accept it. If they do, they will charge you
a heavy surcharge called Non-Running Vehicle Surcharge.
I wouldn't have written this article if the story ended here. But then something remarkable happened. Some of these shipping lines turned around and said they will ship these damaged cars to Africa if the owners put them in a container. Many people took this option and as a result, these cars are now headed to Nigeria. Some are already in Lagos as we speak while others will be arriving shortly.
The unfortunate thing is that these flooded and damaged cars will not show up on Carfax or Autocheck. Carfax and Autocheck do not track cars once they are shipped out of the US. So the last entry you will see for these cars in VIN reports is: "Exported to Nigeria - October 2012.
So Buyer Beware.
How to
Identify a Flooded Car According to Carfax:
- Check the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for signs of water
damage such as silt, mud or rust.
- Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits
loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate
water damage.
- Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges work
properly. Make sure the air bag and ABS lights come on and go off.
- Test power and electronics systems such as interior/exterior lights, windows and door
locks, radio, cigarette lighter, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure
they work.
- Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle once dry and may crack.
- Take a whiff for musty odors or strong perfumes used to mask the smell of mildew.
- Check the trunk, glove compartment, dashboard, and below the seats for signs of water
damage such as silt, mud or rust.
- Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits
loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate
water damage.
- Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges work
properly. Make sure the air bag and ABS lights come on and go off.
- Test power and electronics systems such as interior/exterior lights, windows and door
locks, radio, cigarette lighter, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure
they work.
- Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle once dry and may crack.
- Take a whiff for musty odors or strong perfumes used to mask the smell of mildew.
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