Pre damaged title...what is it?

Question

I was looking at a used car and on the window it was telling the year, mileage, price and the usual things. It said it has a predamaged title and I'm hoping someone can tell me what that is...

First right answer will get the big 10 points...thanks so very much

Answer 1

Just like everyone else said.. this car has been salvaged. Meaning that it has been "rebuilt". That isn't right away a bad thing though. Get a car fax report and determine what caused the salvage title and base your opinion from there. If it has had flood damage walk away *water causes rust in the electrical aspects and that is a nightmare). If it has been wrecked, have the frame straightness, alignment, etc checked before buying. Also too, a salvaged titled vehicle normally sells at %40 of value, so if the car retails for $4k, it *should* be sold for around $1600-$2000. If it does not have at least %50 of retail value walk away. I have been in the auto business for 20 years and know the ins and outs, and the tricks they use.

I myself own a salvaged Mazda 323, why was it salvaged you ask? Well the drivers rear corner was tapped causing a little dent by the tail light, so it was reported to the insurance that paid the car off and deemed it "totalled". This car runs like brand new and drives like you can't believe. And to boot I only paid $150 for the car 6 months ago.. all I have done is took through emissions (which passed with flying colors), and put tags on it. So that's my advice, don't be afraid until you know more! Good luck :)

If you want to contact me off list you can do so, my email is [e-mail] and I would be more than happy to assist you in the process or if you have any more questions :)

Answer 2

Indicates that the vehicle had been written off by an insurance company and someone has taken the time to repair it. Repairs could mean rebuilding the existing components or by replacing damaged components with similar parts from another vehicle.
Sometimes these vehicles can be just as good as vehicles that hadn't been written off. It really depends on quality of the work performed. Ask what kind of warranty comes with this vehicle and definitely have an independent mechanic look it over before purchasing. Most, but not all, of these type of vehicles have some defects that cannot be seen by an untrained eye. Some of these defects are just cosmetic, others may cause headaches later on.

Answer 3

Normally if a car has been wrecked or damaged otherwise (flooded etc.) they will see if it costs more than say 75% of the "predamaged" value and if it does they salvage it.

I wouldn't buy it unless it was a lot cheaper than anything else.

In Texas it is called a Salvaged Title.

Answer 4

If I'm not mistaken, it means that it was totalled in the past. It may be fixed from the collision, or, it also may have been flooded in one of the Hurricanes that have hit in the last several years. That would mean salt water flooding...which equals to rust and big time electrical problems. My advice to you......don't buy it. Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Sounds like the vehicle was totalled and repaired and they either "washed" the title, or it was never properly reported as a "salvage" vehicle.

In either case, RUN away from that deal!

Answer 6

Exactly what it says!! The car has either been in a wreck or has had water damage, etc... Don't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!! Hard to resell and you will probobly have problems!!!!