Flood cars sale warning

"Buyer beware" is the message being given to people looking for a cheap car as water damaged Bay of Plenty vehicles are expected to appear on the second-hand car market in the next few weeks.

Although insurance companies are writing off cars damaged in the recent flooding at Matata and Tauranga, Turners Auctions and at least one Tauranga car sale yard are planning to auction the vehicles.

Rotorua Auto Centre owner Robbie Knowles said he believed none of the vehicles should be sold.

"Cars like this should be flagged and not allowed back in to the system."

Land Transport New Zealand spokesman Andy Knackstedt said though flood damaged vehicles were flagged in the system, they could be re-certified after clearance by registered Warrant of Fitness inspectors.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES