Hey guys. Autoninjas is presenting a lease deal for a Mazda cx-50 though the dealership pickup location is in Tampa bay, florida. They recently had hurricane Milton in October and many cars got flooded. I’ve asked to a report to see when the 2025 model was transported to the dealership to see if it was prior to the hurricane. AN won’t supply this information to me. Is this cause for concern? Do I even have to worry about leasing a potentially damaged vehicle?I’m assuming the dealership has much to lose in a case of renting out a flooded vehicle becauseif so I would always be at their repair shop which they would have to pay for.
Different states have different laws, but the dealer would need to provide a new vehicle damage disclaimer if the damage/repair exceeded a certain dollar amount.
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No reputable new car dealership is going to lease or sell a flood damaged vehicle. They are going to file an insurance claim against it to recapture the loss. The Manufacturer would get pretty upset if a bunch of flood damaged cars were sold a new and started showing up with significant warranty issues.
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This Mazdas probably fine, you’re covered by lemon law too, get your bag. Pay their fee ask for vin and if something’s wrong with it go from there.
You’re asking for something that doesn’t really exists so if you want the peace of mind run a carfax for like $5 via facebook or $20 retail. many states require damage disclosures for any damage over $xxx amount or %: google floridas law for more info
to answer thread title yes they can in specific situations with specific banks.
Volvo, BMW, and Porsche will lease damaged and even buyback title vehicles but it depends on program and situation
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Can they sell damanged cars, yes. Can they sell damaged cars without disclosing they are damaged, maybe. There is usually a limit in terms of percentage or dollar amount before it has to be disclosed (varies based on state).
The VIN plate/sticker (usually on the door or B-pillar) will have the production month and year. You can ask for a picture of that.
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An interesting read from back in the day about BMW’s policy at the time of non-disclosure to a dealer (and buyer) of the partial repainting of a new vehicle.
Went all the way to SCOTUS and still impacts the calculation and application of punitive damages today.
Gotta be honest, kinda sounds like a nightmarish question of you to ask. I really can’t fathom a planet where a franchise Mazda dealer is going to try to sell a flood damaged car as new, there are so many reasons why that wouldn’t even make sense to happen. The history of a used car is one thing, but a new car? Their insurance will cover the loss, why would it be in their best interest to try to pass of flood cars as new, undamaged car?
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Also a broker won’t usually provide the delivery / PDI data report to you, since you might attempt to avoid paying their fee and purchase the car directly. Not saying you would but flip side of the coin of cynicism.
Yeah if you’re really that untrusting just pay retail OOS where it didn’t flood I guess? Like the whole flood car issue from x state is worrying about them at auction or as a used car where it wasn’t reported or title washed (state doesn’t recognize flood damage etc.). The new ones are usually written off and crushed or re-exported.
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