Once cars have been submerged in water, as hundreds of thousands were during the gulf Coast hurricanes, they can have so many hidden problems that they are considered unsafe to drive. California's Insurance Commissioner and an Auto Club recently issued a press release warning consumers that many flood-damaged cars are being sold by "unscrupulous dealers and auto salvage auction houses" who "began buying flood-damaged vehicles and having them cosmetically repaired for easy sale to unsuspecting buyers in other states like California."

If you are in the market for a used car for yourself or your business, read the press release. It details the extent of the problem (anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 storm-damaged cars might turn up on the market), what to look for, how to check a vehicle's history, and questions to ask the dealer before you buy.