Originally Posted by 2superblus (Post 1151077)

Call your insurance and get the car totalled it willbe better for you in the long run.

Originally Posted by Richard Cranium (Post 1150960)

Big box improvement stores sell one-time-use dehumidifying tubs...you take the lid off, set it in the room and walk away. Park it in the sun, windows closed and set a tub on the floor in front of each seat and you'll be fine.

Personal experience in this...before the FRS, I had a 2nd Gen Tacoma (which were notoriously less waterproof than 1st Gen's). I had anywhere from 1-5 inches of water in the cab several times over the years from creek/water crossings on trails. I pulled the all the interior carpet out a couple times and vac'd and sun dried, but for the effort that it took, it was just as effective and endlessly less time consuming to deploy 4 dehumidifying tubs between the front at back seats. YMMV, but I'd start here.

http://www.damprid.com/

Originally Posted by KSC (Post 1154265)

I think the water has to reach the steering wheel in order to total it.

Originally Posted by Clembo (Post 1147552)

Calling in the insurance company will possibly put it on the CarFax. Just something to think about when it's time to trade or re-sell. It will likely diminish the value.

Tough decision as you may not have electrical problems now but if some wiring, connectors, sensors or relays were flooded you may have corrosion issues later on. The ones that expect to see water in normal driving situations will be sealed from damage but the rest might not be. I'd be real thorough in assessing the water level vs. all the car's electrical components and wiring then come up with a determination of the direction to take.

IMO, the carpets are the least of the problems. They can easily be replaced.

Originally Posted by torqdork (Post 1215146)

That car should be considered a total loss, no question. Get a lawyer, have them submit a demand letter to the insurance company that appears to be evading responsibility, cc: your state insurance commissioner.

Originally Posted by Mollusk (Post 1215325)

For a while I wasn't sure if they would declare it totaled or not. I'm glad they didn't because I would have lost much more money in depreciation (it's a brand new car). As it is, the car was fully repaired and I only had to pay my deductible.

I'm a little worried about electrical problems so I'm considering going through the car and putting silicone grease inside the connectors, but otherwise there isn't much to worry about. The car is still under full factory warranty.

Originally Posted by torqdork (Post 1215467)

If you think you'd lose depreciation now, wait until you attempt to sell or trade the car.

For perspective, my first corporate job for a major auto manufacturer involved the inspection of hundreds of new cars and trucks for possible flood damage. After days of training by the insurance company whose interest was to repair cars, not total them, my staff totaled hundreds of cars over a several week period including some that had been retailed and were in use by customers. One of the main criteria to determine total loss was water entry into the cabin over the level of the seat belt anchor points. It sounds like your car had even more.

It may take 5-10 years, but problems will arise. I can't believe your insurance carrier is exposing themselves to this type of potential liability. Did they certify in writing that you won't have a branded title and the full factory warranty will remain in effect?

Like I said, consult an attorney and I'd add an independent certified diminished value appraiser licensed in your state and pay the ~$200 for a written report.

This isn't legal advice, I'm not an attorney, but was directly involved in a situation like yours. Good luck!