There are many things to consider when shopping around for a used car. In addition to important aspects like fuel economy, driving performance and safety features, you also have to be aware of a vehicle's history. This is especially important when you consider the number of flood-damaged cars on the roads. According to a new report from Carfax, there are more than 212,000 vehicles classified as flood damaged currently on the roads, despite the fact that many of these automobiles were thought to be ruined beyond long-term repair. 

Nearly two-thirds of these flood-damaged vehicles are confined to 10 states, including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Many of these vehicles may have suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy, and were given a short-term fix before being sold to unsuspecting drivers. If left untreated, the issues present in these cars could pose a major concern for motorists, but there are a few things these individuals can do to protect themselves. 

"Flood cars a volatile mixture of water, metal and electricity," said Larry Gamache, a communications director at Carfax. "Once a car is ravaged by water, the mechanical, electrical or safety systems can fail at any time. There's also the health risk, as mold and bacteria permeate the vents and soft parts of the interior. Know what you're putting you and your family into before laying down your hard-earned money. Start with a Carfax Vehicle History Report and thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic." 

To make the car search easier, head to an auction lot where the options are Carfax-certified. You can find just that at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of pre-owned cars, trucks and vans that are more than capable of meeting your driving needs.