Flood-Damaged Cars Hit Florida Auctions Post-Hurricanes
by AutoExpert | 13 November, 2024
Heads up, car lovers! After Hurricanes Helene and Milton took a one-two punch at Florida, over 17,000 flood-damaged cars are starting to pop up in auction lots across the Sunshine State. And we're not just talking about any old cars—these are the enthusiast's dream cars, the kind that make you stop and stare.
The Niko Brothers, known for their knack for salvaging and rebuilding, recently took us on a YouTube tour through the auction lots in Jacksonville and Orlando, showing off the sea of cars waiting for a second chance. What they found was pretty shocking—rows upon rows of cars, from Dodge Hellcats to Nissan GT-Rs and even some Shelby Cobras (which I really hope are just replicas), all lined up and looking like they’re ready for a car show, not a scrapyard.
Now, you might see something like a 2023 Cadillac Escalade that looks spotless from the outside. The engine bay? Clean. The oil? Good. The interior? Immaculate. But here's the catch—the thing won’t start. It’s basically a giant metal paperweight with a title that screams ‘certificate of destruction.’
It’s a heartbreaker, especially when you spot supercars and luxury rides like Porsche 911s, Ram TRXs, and Ferraris all in line, likely to go for way less than their usual asking price due to the flood damage.
If you're feeling brave and think picking up one of these could be a steal, you might want to check out sites like Copart and IAA. Just remember, buying a flood-damaged car is a huge gamble. Salt water and electronics are a nasty mix, often leaving the car's guts fried and your wallet hurting. But hey, if you do decide to go for it and snag one of these waterlogged beauties, drop us a line—we'd love to hear about your adventure and maybe even feature your story!