Water Damage... Forever? Or Recoverable?

[Brenda DeVita]

We own 3 toyotas already and would like to buy an old used one for my newly licensed 16 year old son.

I have a chance to buy from a VERY reputable dealer a used one

2000 Camry

new engine (has 10,000 k )

33,ooo orginal miles on car

for

$3700

The engine was replaced ,as the elderly couple drove into deep water and stalled.

I have been told by dealer that it stalled when i test drove because they had cleaned the engine for me that morning-- and water got into places and it froze up (5 degrees outside) when i was on a very long (20 miles) test run.

Do you think I am asking for trouble? i have had a hard time finding a used toyota with low miles.. (under 100,000) which is what i would like.

thanks for ANY ADVICE --

happybren

[acetip]

Hi Brenda and welcome to the TOC.I think you have to give the car another extended test run afer your dealer has fixed the latest problem they claim is caused by the the engine being cleaned,if that was the cause and not electrics damage by the car being driven into a flood.

Why did the elderly coulple sell the car one wonders after having a new engine fitted.is there other damage to things like the ECUs etc that are giving trouble.

what about the rest of the car. Did water get into the cabin and the boot (trunck).

Is there any sign of rust under carpets etc.does the car smell musty inside.

there is a lot to take into consideration before commiting to purchasing a car that has been in a floood,

But saying that, a local FORD MONDEO TDCI that is used for taxi work was driven into a flood before it had covered 1000 miles from new and had a new engine fitted and now has covered 250000 + miles and is still going strong.

What kind of warranty is the dealer going to give you if you go ahead and buy it.

It needs to one that specifically covers any problems that related to water damage .

The car could be a good buy, but then it could be a load of trouble costing you a fortune .

[acetip]

Hi again Brenda,just had a thought.f they put a brand new engine in the car why would it need cleaning?.

If they put a secondhand engine in why would they not clean it before fitting it.which is the normal and easiest thing to do

I now have doubts about this car.

Remember the old saying " better safe than sorry"

[PaulinhoT]

Hello and welcome to the Toyota Owners Club Brenda,

I would take the car for more test drives just to be sure.. maybe ask if you can use it for a few hours or something.

Worth a try.

[dervdave]

We own 3 toyotas already and would like to buy an old used one for my newly licensed 16 year old son. I have a chance to buy from a VERY reputable dealer a used one 2000 Camry new engine (has 10,000 k ) 33,ooo orginal miles on car for $3700 The engine was replaced ,as the elderly couple drove into deep water and stalled. I have been told by dealer that it stalled when i test drove because they had cleaned the engine for me that morning-- and water got into places and it froze up (5 degrees outside) when i was on a very long (20 miles) test run. Do you think I am asking for trouble? i have had a hard time finding a used toyota with low miles.. (under 100,000) which is what i would like. thanks for ANY ADVICE -- happybren

I got my immaculate low mileage XR3i stuck on a causeway (sal******er) in Northumberland (yes Holy Island) and it was submerged half way up.

It did run again but the water had done its damage in the fuel system and electrics and became nothing but trouble so I got shot of it.

[Brenda DeVita]

Thank you for your quick responses. I am going to ask for a warranty at the very least and may just ask to pass on it completely if they cannot asswer the good questions about why they were cleaning a new engine. Is it considered appropriate to ask for the name of the previous owner? They would have no reason to lie to me... as they got their trade already... just a thought.

thanks.

ps HATE buying used cars....

[dervdave]

Thank you for your quick responses. I am going to ask for a warranty at the very least and may just ask to pass on it completely if they cannot asswer the good questions about why they were cleaning a new engine. Is it considered appropriate to ask for the name of the previous owner? They would have no reason to lie to me... as they got their trade already... just a thought. thanks. ps HATE buying used cars....

Yep its a nerve wracking time

[PaulinhoT]

A good car sales person will be open and honest with his answer :)

[acetip]

Honest car salesmen are as rare as chicken teeth.

[PaulinhoT]

lol.. I know what you mean as I've been in the business for 20 years ;)