I took a big chance - bought a flooded car

[Skidboot77]

Hello,
I'm a newbie and wanted some help on my 2009 M35. I took a big chance and purchased this car with a flood title. I knew the history on the car and figured it might work out. The car was driven in some standing fresh water and the engine flooded out. The car ran fine at the auction and everything worked on the car. It did idle a little high and Also had a check engine light on. For good measure, I took it to the Infinity dealer and asked them to check it out. They found a half cup of water in the throttle bodies and recommended they replace. I took it home and scrubbed the boxes with a wire brush and the idling dropped down to 1 rpm. I do think the idling is slightly out of sink.

Should I just go ahead and drive car? It does ride and look great.

Before anyone ask, I paid $11,000. That's the only reason I risked it. Any input would be welcome.

Thanks

[Larz]

I'm wondering if water was able to reach the throttle body, it likely was rather deep standing water unless driving through it caused a wave of water to roll into the air intake. I also assume the car sat in that standing water until it could be towed. That means water and dirt may have contaminated the fluids of the car. Before driving it, I would have all fluids changed - oil & filter, transmission, brake, coolant, and power steering.
Not sure which state you live in, but in FL a car with a flood title has been deemed to suffer damages requiring repairs greater than 70% of its value.
When I looked at cars, a salesperson at a small car shop tried to sell me a car she claimed was immaculate and indeed it was. However it idled higher than I thought it should, and the oil pressure gauge was above the normal point in the dash. It had a clean FL tittle in the dealership's name and she told me it was originally purchased in North Carolina. I wrote down the VIN and paid for a carfax check, it came back as flood damaged, and I would have never suspected coz they cleaned the interior, trunk, and engine bay and they all looked absolutely fine. I can only assume they moved the car to FL and somehow had it re-registered here with a clean title.
Did you run a carfax check? You can see the state the car originally was registered in, see the date of the title changes, and determine if that state had a hurricane, storm surge, or tornado just before the change of title. I know they told you it was driven into standing water, but can you really be sure that's accurate?

[josejulio]

I recently just took the same chance but mines was only a carpet flood the water was only slightly above the fog lights, i couldn't test the car to see if it ran or not because the keys were stolen. for my shake i pray i took a good chance just as yours i only paid 3000 for this 2007 m45 and it only had 77k so i had to risk it for such low price. I PRAY THERE IS NO COSTLY DAMAGE!