How to assess flood damage?

I'm looking at a 2014 Tacoma that was registered since new in Fort Worth until 2 months ago when it magically appeared in Colorado. It has bad hail damage, but the title is clear and it doesn't look like there was a claim on it against insurance.

I am speculating that this hail damage occurred while in Texas and also wondering if this vehicle was totaled by the owner due to being in a flood as well but somehow doesn't show up on the Carfax/AutoCheck.

So, what are telltale signs that this truck may have been flooded (and abandoned/sent to auction/appeared at a non-Toyota dealer in Colorado)?

 

If they offered up the fact it was in a flood that’s odd. Imo would never buy a flood vehicle.

 

I wouldn't either. They did NOT state anything about a flood, but I already got screwed by a shady dealer in the past lying about actual condition.

This is why I have to assess on my own.

 

interior cab / carpet seats are a good bet to telltale flood damage

yet U are interested in an already damaged truck

mileage ?????

condition of trans & engine

tacoma sitting in muddy flood water can siphon water into trans & axle housings

water deep enuf can get into the engine itself

junkyard bubba only has to drain/change all fluids to come out ahead

only a few hundred $$$$

 

From what I have read on here, its real hard to get the smell out of the interior without replacing every single piece of upholstery. That might be the best indication.

If you think it was flooded, might be best to boroscope the top end of block and maybe the rear end too. That would probably show any surface rust or issues, even if the oils were changed.

 

Hail damage out of FW doesn't surprise me. Insurance likely cut the owner a check with out having a body shop even look at it. Why your worried about flood damage im not sure. FW isn't a place you have to worry about floods. If insurance totalled it out it would be in car fax.

 

Sure, if it is ONLY hail damage and the rest of the truck is fine, it's less of a headache for me parking outside since I don't have a garage. My housemate is so paranoid with his 2020 TRD Pro every time weather comes in. I don't want to be like that with the newer trucks that seem to have much thinner sheet metal than my 2003 that I would be replacing.

This is very useful, thanks.

I'm not sure either... I don't know Texas that well, especially the hurricane / natural weather events. I am doing my due diligence before potentially getting a lemon and screwed on another vehicle I have to dump money into.

 

We actually cleaned my old single cab when my bro's drove through Katrina floods. Been fine since. Still trucking today, my old man drives it.

 

My 99 has been submerged to right below the steering wheel. But it was in a mud pit on someone’s ranch. Flood waters are usually a tiny bit cleaner than that, so they won’t leave as much dirt behind.

I’ve noticed a lot of corrosion on aluminum engine bay components on Houston/Louisiana flood trucks. Like out of character for a somewhat new truck from the south.

I’d suspect that it was just hail damage totaled though. My roommates had a few vehicle get totaled with the crazy hailstorms down here a few months ago.

 

Depends on where the flood is though. If its anywhere near a city you can expect the sewer system to backup and start mixing with the flood waters

 

The photos of the frame make me a little concerned... If it did live in Texas why is the frame so chalky?

 

Dirt and debri can still get stuck on the undercarriage during driving. Not to mention no undercarriage cleaning. No signs of surface rust but if you can look inside the box frame sections that would be a plus.

 

Dude you are overthinking this haha.. That looks like one of the cleanest frames I've ever seen posted on here (considering 2014). Indicates it was from the deep south in my book.

 

I really got burned with my current truck, so yes, I am a bit paranoid of buying ANOTHER lemon and wasting a bunch of money.

 

Nevermind about this truck… The used car salesperson lied about the title being clean.