I have bought many a used car in the past. The trick is knowing what you are buying by your own general knowledge (or your s/o's) and doing your research. I bought a used fridge for my garage 2 years ago, works like a charm. You also have to have an instinct about the person selling the item. I wouldn't buy from someone I couldn't talk to like on ebay. Even so, people do get scammed.

My BIL and his wife bought an almost new Audi for 22,000.00. Had 30,000 miles on it and was over $80,000 new. I would never buy an $ 80,000 car, but I would buy the "almost new" version.

Buyer beware, as the saying goes.

Are you talking about flood damaged appliances and cars?

Yes, cars can be checked out, but not sure about the appliances. Some of the smaller appliances are being picked up, cleaned up and sold at garage sales, on ebay or even Craigslist. This could apply to any disaster.

As for appliances, I say, look them over carefully, look for loose wires,frayed or damaged cords,rust spots, etc. I'd be very leery of buying a used appliance. Think about buying something new with the Underwriters Laboratory seal on it. Suppose it shorted out and started a fire? That said, I gave away a mini fridge on Craigslist for free. And last winter I put a broken lamp in my garbage. Within minutes, someone came and took it. I hope they could get it safely re-wired, tho I doubt they would. Probably ended up in their trash.

If I put it on the curb or in the trash, I wish the best to the person who wants it and can use it. And if they choose to sell it, more power to them. I didn't want it and, once gone, it's no concern of mine.

I've picked up furniture from other's trash and refinished it. Some is in our home, some I've sold.

Works both ways for me!

I bought only one brand new car in my life, and would never do it again. Late model used is the way to go for me. But I'd buy from a dealer.......and I doubt a car would be left out on the curb for someone to take. :-)

Interesting about the appliances, though. The things people will do for money.....

Don�t rely on those carfax reports either. My beloved old Tbird was hit and run four times in about two years. When body shop couldn�t find parts for it anymore, I had to give in and get another car. The dealer who took it as a trade in ran a car fax report and not one of those incidents had been reported by the repair shop, insurance company, police or whoever is responsible for reporting them.

In recent years, we have placed many household items out on the night before trash day, and all but a couple were gone by morning.

Rugs, furniture, small appliances, a bike, and children's toys are among the items.
Frankly, I'm glad for someone else to salvage and use or sell them....better than just being dumped in a landfill.

I hate waste. More power to them !

The only time an accident would show up on a Carfax or similar report is when the car was totalled out. A fender-bender would not. If your car was totalled 4 times and not shown as being re-titled, I'd check with the state and see if there's some hanky-panky going on there.