CarMax Advises How to Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of recent flooding, CarMax, Inc., , the nation's largest retailer of used cars, is advising consumers on how to avoid purchasing flood-damaged vehicles.

"Consumers should be aware that some businesses and individuals may try to sell salvaged and flood-damaged cars without revealing the vehicle history," said David Claeys, purchasing manager for CarMax in Richmond, Virginia. "Flood-damaged cars that are not structurally or mechanically sound could be repaired, re-titled, and sold to unsuspecting buyers."

CarMax's car-buying experts offer these ten tips for identifying a vehicle with possible flood damage:

1) Check for a moldy smell inside the car and feel the carpet for dampness 2) Ask questions about an older car with a brand new interior or carpeting 3) Check for rust under the brake or gas pedals 4) Look for dirt or rust under the dashboard and floor mats 5) Inspect the bolts and screws under the seats for evidence of rust 6) Check the undercarriage for excessive rust 7) Check inside the trunk under the carpet in the spare tire well area for rust, dirt or sand 8) Look for corrosion, water marks, or a thin brown line on the exterior of the vehicle 9) Check to see if the electrical system works 10) Check the VIN number with AutoCheck or Carfax to see whether a flood claim has been filed or a salvage title has been issued on the vehicle

CarMax provides a free AutoCheck vehicle history report for every used vehicle. CarMax's nationwide team of more than 900 car-buying experts is trained to detect whether a car has flood damage or has been in a major accident. CarMax will not retail any car that has flood or frame damage or an odometer or title discrepancy.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the FORTUNE 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 81 used car superstores in 38 markets. The CarMax consumer offer is structured around four core equities: low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection; high quality vehicles; and customer-friendly service. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2007, the company retailed 337,021 used vehicles and sold 208,959 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com/ .

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