Dishonest mechanics are using flooded cars to scam more and more customers in France.
Recently, a scandal scam puts millions of motorists at risk. dishonest dealers are selling defective cars that have been flooded using well-established techniques.
A well-oiled scam that may seem difficult to avoid
The flooded car scam is pretty simple to understand. Some car dealerships are able to salvage vehicles submerged in floods that are considered TNR (technically not repairable). Initially, these cars are intended for the brokenbut dealers use it to deceive customers.
Dealers manage to re-register vehicles that cannot be. The serial number is changed, the car is cleaned and can be sold as if no flood had affected the vehicle. A quick clean and the vehicle is now ready for sale.
Photo credit: akunamatata (Flickr) Floods ravage thousands of cars in France.
However, selling a car in such condition is extremely dangerous for drivers. electronic elements have often been affected by water damage. It is difficult to predict how the vehicle will react. Sometimes it can drive a few kilometers before totally let go.
The Risks of Driving a Hidden Wreck
This scam has also affected Antoniofollowed by TF1an Alsatian who bought himself a sports coupe used with a value of 76 000 euros in a garage in his area. The 50-year-old man drove for several months without knowing what was really hidden under his beautiful car. In reality, it had been hit by a flood and resold illegally. During a maneuver, Antonio heard “a loud noise under the engine” and felt that something had broken. He wasted no time and sent his vehicle for servicing.
THE experts have discovered some mud under the engine covers, the damage were many, but quite well hidden. Many metal parts have rusted. In addition, mysterious holes were discovered. It turns out that these holes allowed to drain a large part of the water infiltrated, they were roughly filled in before the vehicle was sold.
As a result, the mechanic who sold the wreck to Antonio was sentenced to repay the 76,000 euros of the price of the vehicle and risk up to two years in prison et 15,000 euros fine.
As flooding continues to hit parts of France, many experts automobiles are sent out across the country to determine which vehicles are repairable and which are destined for the scrapyard.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
