Flooded cars being sold in Valley, could end up on your driveway

Before you buy that used car, beware.

The ABC15 Investigators are finding cars totaled in spring floods are making their way to the Valley.

We counted 36 being sold one day in the Phoenix area.

They are listed on the Insurance Auto Auction's website , and right under the "loss type" category, it says "flood" on each one of them.

These are cars that were so damaged by flooding that they were totaled.

The danger is where these cars end up.

Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety warns that many of them can be sold to you, ending up on used cars lots or being sold through Craigslist.

CARS says these vehicles are basically rotting from the inside -- they could have ruined electronic systems, brakes, airbags, or engine components. Even mold would be in issue.

Some of these vehicles might have gotten cosmetic fixes in order to sell the car, and you may not notice.

And in Arizona, there is no special designation on titles for flood. So, they could be seen as clean titles and you'd never know.

Before you buy any used car, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the National Motor Vehicle Information System.

CARS says it is the most up-to-date system.

Also, always make sure you have a trusted mechanic look over any used car before you buy it.

Let me know of any consumer scams you wanted investigated by emailing me at jducey@abc15.com or by going to my ABC15 Facebook page .