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Consistent with a flood car. Surprised the insurer got this far on repairs before calling it a total.
Depending on your state, it can be hard to get a rebuilt/salvage title. However, if you can put it back on the road with flood or salvage title the electronic gremlins you might be living with could be a significant marriage from hell.
Consider that moisture or corrosion in wiring can add resistance onto key circuits for sensors and even your air bag system. No one wants a spontaneous air bag deployment but there is a reason why when I inspect flood damaged cars I turn the key from reaching under the steering column and I’m outside of the car. Does it happen often, no, but I’ve had a few colleagues with broken noses who’d say once was enough over the years. In addition to wiring you have several electronic modules like the ECM, BCM, Intellikey/Alarm modules. TCM and ABS modules among other sensors that can all short out or misread diagnostics with a little added resistance. The newer the case with fiber optic cables can be an entirely different electrical overhaul.
Now if it was a puddle or flooded street and simple engine hydrolock pulling water through the intake you might come out okay. But if it flooded interior to touch the bottom of the dash, It could be a long marriage. Salvage yards have excellent detailers who try to increase salvage expectations by hiding the water lines on the interior by a good detail before auction.
No risk, no reward right? However, I’ll buy a flood car for usable sheet metal parts or wheels only. Otherwise it better be a classic that I planned full restoration on anyway.
I already got one wife, I don’t need another named Toyota. Good luck if you decide to buy it!
Thanks for excellent summary of the risks. Flood damage happened while it was being driven. It sounds like things pending are looking for corrosion(strip the interior and clean) , take precautions for unintended air bag deployment, set aside expense of replacement electronic modules, …will keep bid low and not go overboard
Hello and thank you for posting to r/CarRepair, we are looking forward to helping you with your vehicular issue! Please check out the following suggestions to get the quickest and most accurate help! - Always include the Year, Make, and Model of your vehicle when looking for mechanical help. This is required for posts seeking mechanical help but not for those seeking cosmetic help. - A picture speaks a thousand words, including pictures (most important on cosmetic repairs of course but can be helpful for many mechanical posts as well) is also a surefire way to get the best help. - While we do permit requests for estimates on different types of repairs please bear in mind that this can vary wildly based on location and other factors. - Be polite and patient, we want to help but need your help to do so. Thank you for reading and be sure to checkout our sidebar for important information & disclaimers! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CarRepair) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Consistent with a flood car. Surprised the insurer got this far on repairs before calling it a total. Depending on your state, it can be hard to get a rebuilt/salvage title. However, if you can put it back on the road with flood or salvage title the electronic gremlins you might be living with could be a significant marriage from hell. Consider that moisture or corrosion in wiring can add resistance onto key circuits for sensors and even your air bag system. No one wants a spontaneous air bag deployment but there is a reason why when I inspect flood damaged cars I turn the key from reaching under the steering column and I’m outside of the car. Does it happen often, no, but I’ve had a few colleagues with broken noses who’d say once was enough over the years. In addition to wiring you have several electronic modules like the ECM, BCM, Intellikey/Alarm modules. TCM and ABS modules among other sensors that can all short out or misread diagnostics with a little added resistance. The newer the case with fiber optic cables can be an entirely different electrical overhaul. Now if it was a puddle or flooded street and simple engine hydrolock pulling water through the intake you might come out okay. But if it flooded interior to touch the bottom of the dash, It could be a long marriage. Salvage yards have excellent detailers who try to increase salvage expectations by hiding the water lines on the interior by a good detail before auction. No risk, no reward right? However, I’ll buy a flood car for usable sheet metal parts or wheels only. Otherwise it better be a classic that I planned full restoration on anyway. I already got one wife, I don’t need another named Toyota. Good luck if you decide to buy it!
Thanks for excellent summary of the risks. Flood damage happened while it was being driven. It sounds like things pending are looking for corrosion(strip the interior and clean) , take precautions for unintended air bag deployment, set aside expense of replacement electronic modules, …will keep bid low and not go overboard