In the wake of Hurricane Sandy; how can I tell if a car has water damage?

Carfax would be your best bet for making sure a vehicle wasn't damaged in any way.

carfax accounts for documented damage, such as insurance claims...a good wash/detail removes water marks, the best way to confirm water damage is by looking in the transmission fluid/having it changed, if water was high enough to enter the trans breather then no good.....and noone thinks to check or change it.

Check the engine bay for water marks, or discoloration. Get down and look beneath the vehicle for anything out of the ordinary. Sniff the carpet. If there was any standing water, the insulation will still be damp, which will cause mold. The mold will emit an odor. Your best bet is to look for a vehicle outside of flooded areas. Combine that with a Carfax and you will be in good shape.

michael, most respectable detailers use an ionizer, which kills all mold, smells (cigarettes) and moisture!!!!!!!!!:( thats why the only complete way is the only thing noone thinks to touch.....the trans...

The presumption is that Karen is not buying from a dealer. I don't.

The first and most logical way to avoid buying a used car that's really a lemon is by purchasing a car history report. Only do this if you are leaning toward buying a used car; if you do it for every car you consider, you'll end up spending a lot of money. Carfax is the most popular and also the most expensive. You can use other companies for a cheaper price for an equally reliable report http://bit.ly/50OFF_VIN_CHECK