This may sound like an odd tip, but it really isn't. Have you ever wondered what happens to all those cars from areas recently affected by hurricanes and tropical storms ( mainly, the southeast of the US )? Many of them get cleaned up, rebuilt and sold somewhere else. This is how to spot them :

1- Take a close look at the engine and even inside the car, and search for water lines.

2- If the used car isn't older than 1981, the VIN ( vehicle identification number ) will let you know wether there's anything missing. You'll need a VIN decoder for this ( very expensive ) or get it decoded as part of a vehicle history report.

3- If the car's upholstery or carpets are not original, there must be a reason for it. Check underneath the carpets. Look for rust in the trunk, spare tire, beneath the seats and check the doors.

4- Run a full vehicle history report and make sure that the car has not been totaled or branded as flooded by any insurance company.

For more tips and deals on used cars for sale check
http://www.squidoo.com/buy-used-car-cheaper