Video topic: rebuilt/salvage title cars

[Henry]

Eric (and all members) what’s your input on cars that have a rebuilt title? I understand they go through an inspection to determine if they’re road worthy again but in a mechanic point of view is it still something we should put off or can we consider it and go for it?

Also what is the inspection process like? What do they inspect exactly and how do they determine if a car is been rebuilt correctly, is it body and mechanical or just body?

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

Thanks for the suggestion. Honestly, I don’t have too much familiarity with this, but what I do have isn’t great. I think the only way I think this works is if you build it yourself. Otherwise it seems to be someone looking to make a buck and that often lends itself to cutting corners.

In short, purchasing salvage title vehicles is not something I recommend.

[Jonathan Stiver]

I buy almost exclusively salvage title vehicles, but I would still agree with Eric. I only buy directly from the insurance auction and repair myself. Unless you buy from someone else who has done this (for their own personal use, not to “flip” immediately) or can document exactly what happened to the vehicle and how it was repaired, it’s not worth the risk. Although, for older vehicles worth less than $5,000 retail, as little as a cracked bumper cover or paint scratches/dents can render the car a total loss by insurance because of the repair cost % of retail value. In most states, there are no additional inspection requirements for salvage title vehicles beyond the usual state emissions/safety inspection, where applicable. However, keep in mind ANY used vehicle can have major previous damage or sub par previous repair, regardless of title status. Most people will not report an accident if they do not have full coverage insurance. This is why I strongly recommend to anyone looking to spend much more than $5,000 on a used vehicle strongly consider a new car instead.

[Author]

Replies