The price of used cars is always tempting, especially when you find one that is much cheaper than the market price. But if the car turns out to be flooded or crashed, be prepared for risks that could break your wallet in the future.

In general, used cars definitely have disadvantages compared to new cars. Well, flood-damaged and accident-damaged used cars each have their own "scary" stories. The difference is that damage to accident-damaged used cars is usually easy to see on the body or exterior, while flood-damaged used cars are more "scary" because much of the damage is hidden.

Flood-Damaged Used Cars: Hidden Problems That Cause Headaches

If a car has been submerged in floodwater, be prepared for the following risks:

1. Engine damage – Water can cause water hammer, which can damage the transmission and combustion system. Repair costs? Don't even ask, they're definitely expensive.

2. Electrical problems – Electronic components such as the ECU, AC, and lights are prone to short-circuiting when exposed to water.

3. Corrosion under the car – Flood water is usually dirty and salty, causing the frame and suspension to rust faster.

4. Brake problems – Water can cause the brake pads and discs to rust, resulting in suboptimal braking.

5. Super expensive service – Flooding means the car has to undergo a "total overhaul," and usually the result is that it cannot return to 100% normal.

Used Cars That Have Been in Accidents: Dented Bodywork, Risks Remain

If a used car has been in an accident, the problems tend to be more visible. But make no mistake, the risks are also serious:

1. Engine damage – A hard impact can cause engine problems, and repairs are obviously expensive.

2. Faulty electronic systems – Parking sensors, audio systems, and even navigation systems can malfunction due to impact.

3. Damaged bodywork – Body repairs are not cheap, especially if the frame is involved.

4. Reduced safety – Even after repairs, cars that have been in accidents rarely return to 100% of their original condition.

5. Low resale value – The label "accident-damaged car" lowers its market value.

So, Which Is More Risky?

When compared, flood-damaged cars usually pose a greater risk because the damage is often invisible, especially to the engine and electrical system. But that doesn't mean accident-damaged cars are safer. Both require a thorough inspection before purchase.

If you still want to buy this type of used car, make sure to have it inspected in detail at a trusted repair shop. Remember, a low initial price can turn into repair costs that drain your wallet. 

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Beli Mobil Bekas Banjir vs Tabrakan, Mana yang Lebih Berisiko?

Harga mobil bekas memang selalu menggoda. Apalagi kalau ketemu unit yang jauh lebih murah dari pasaran. Tapi kalau mobil itu ternyata bekas banjir atau tabrakan, siap-siap deh risiko yang bisa bikin dompet jebol di kemudian hari.

Secara umum, mobil bekas pasti punya kekurangan dibanding mobil baru. Nah, mobil bekas banjir dan tabrakan punya cerita “seram” masing-masing. Bedanya, kerusakan mobil bekas tabrakan biasanya gampang dilihat di bagian bodi atau eksterior, sedangkan mobil bekas banjir lebih “menyeramkan” karena kerusakannya banyak yang tersembunyi.

Mobil Bekas Banjir: Masalah Tersembunyi yang Bikin Pusing

Kalau mobil sudah sempat terendam banjir, siap-siap dengan risiko:

1. Mesin rusak – Air bisa bikin water hammer sampai meerusak transmisi dan sistem pembakaran. Biaya perbaikan? Jangan ditanya, pasti mahal.

2. Kelistrikan bermasalah – Komponen elektronik seperti ECU, AC, sampai lampu rawan korslet kalau kena air.

3. Korosi di bawah mobil – Air banjir biasanya kotor dan asin, bikin rangka dan suspensi karatan lebih cepat.

4. Rem jadi bermasalah – Air bisa bikin kampas dan cakram rem berkarat, bikin pengereman nggak maksimal.

5. Service super mahal – Banjir bikin mobil harus “diopname total” dan biasanya hasilnya nggak bisa balik 100% normal.

Mobil Bekas Tabrakan: Bodi Penyok, Risiko Tetap Ada

Kalau mobil bekas tabrakan, masalahnya cenderung lebih kelihatan. Tapi jangan salah, risikonya juga nggak main-main:

1. Kerusakan mesin – Benturan keras bisa bikin mesin bermasalah, dan perbaikannya jelas mahal.

2. Sistem elektronik bermasalah – Sensor parkir, sistem audio, sampai navigasi bisa error gara-gara benturan.

3. Bodi rusak – Perbaikan bodi itu nggak murah, apalagi kalau udah nyangkut ke rangka.

4. Keamanan berkurang – Meski udah diperbaiki, mobil bekas tabrakan jarang bisa balik 100% seperti semula.

5. Harga jual jeblok – Nama “mobil bekas tabrakan” bikin nilai jualnya rendah di pasaran.

Jadi, Mana yang Lebih Berisiko?

Kalau dibandingkan, mobil bekas banjir biasanya punya risiko lebih besar karena kerusakannya sering tak kasat mata, khususnya di mesin dan kelistrikan. Tapi bukan berarti mobil bekas tabrakan lebih aman. Dua-duanya sama-sama butuh pemeriksaan super teliti sebelum dibeli.

Kalau tetap mau ambil mobil bekas jenis ini, pastikan lakukan pemeriksaan mendetail di bengkel terpercaya. Ingat, harga murah di awal bisa berubah jadi biaya perbaikan yang bikin kantong kering.