Tom

Tom,

Q My brother is interested in buying a 2007 Saab 9-3 convertible that was

water damaged and has no factory warranty. It has a “flood title?” What do
you think? Can a warranty be purchased for it? Is it worth the risk?

Sigmund—New York

Sigmund,

A This vehicle has a Flood Damaged Title issued from the insurance

company. Such vehicles cannot be given warranties because of said title and
extended warranty companies stay away from this type of preexisting
condition. You see, with water-damaged vehicles the problems that crop up
later are so massive due to the deep-seated corrosion resulting from water
immersion that its not worth the risk to the warranty company, so they stay
away from this type of situation completely. It’s not worth the hassle for your
brother either, even if he were to find an extended warranty company that
would issue a policy on it. Tell your brother to walk away from it; there are
other Saabs in the sea, Sig!