The Automobile Association is alarmed that importers are continuing to bring flood damaged vehicles into this country.
This follows news that dozens of flood damaged vehicles were unloaded in Auckland on Monday.
“We want to see the authorities take a very tough line on certifying these vehicles for sale in New Zealand,” the
Association’s Director of Public Affairs, George Fairbairn, said today.
“The last thing this country needs is an influx of rubbish vehicles from overseas, that were so badly water damaged,
they were written off in their countries of origin.”
“While at the time of purchase these vehicles may appear satisfactory, a couple of months down the track the moisture
will most probably have caused serious problems to electrical systems as well as rust damage.
Mr Fairbairn said prospective car buyers needed to be even more wary than usual when considering a purchase.
“If you are buying a used import you must specifically ask the dealer if it has been water or flood damaged. Even then
it always pays to put the vehicle through a pre-purchase inspection.
“And if you are buying from a car fair, roadside sale, or through the newspaper you really are running a risk. Certainly
don’t have anything to do with unregistered vehicles.
“When it comes to soggy vehicles the Association has one simple message - don’t touch them with a barge pole!”