As New Jersey and New York work to repair the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the figures surrounding the devastation grow clearer, and Experian Automotive recently announced the extent of the damage on vehicles in affected areas. The company estimates that more than 9 million vehicles were affected in the areas hit hardest by the recent natural disaster. While many of these cars and trucks will likely be rendered undrivable, there is always a chance that some may attempt to sell their flood-damaged vehicles, so buyers need to take caution to avoid purchasing these lemons.

"In the wake of any natural disaster, consumers need to be acutely aware that there will be damaged vehicles out there that will be cleaned up and sold to unsuspecting buyers," said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. "With such a large number of title-washed vehicles on the road today, consumers need to arm themselves with as much information as possible when shopping for a used vehicle."

Drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of buying a flood-damaged model by inspecting the engine bay, interior and trunk for signs of high-water. There may be a ring, such as those that can form in bathtubs, that indicates the vehicle was in a flood. Buyers should always test drive a vehicle before they buy to ensure it runs in the condition promised by the seller. They can also have an independent mechanic perform an inspection to look for harder-to-find signs of flood damage.

This advice is important for drivers looking at cars from private sellers and dealerships alike, as it it good to rule out the possibility of problems in any scenario. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides additional security, as every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride that has not been damaged in Hurricane Sandy.