Can anyone tell me about a salvage title?

Question

I am interested in buying a used car, but it seems that there are so many that are for sale that have a salvage title. Is it always a dumb move to buy something with a salvage title? Or are some insurance companies much more quick to issue salvage titles rather than fix cars? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

a salvaged title means that the car was totalled by an insurance company, then someone bought it and fixed it, I would have the car inspected real well before buying it, it could be something as simple as a flood where the apolstery and computer replace and fluids changed to a rear end colision where the car was back halfed, this is putting a good front section on a good rear section and welding it together in the middle. If this was done half a$$ed then the car will fall apart. Anything with a salvaged title will be cheaper and u will get less in a trade in. I could have had interior parts changed too, so the title may not disclose the mileage, if it is more than 100,000. If the odometer reads 104,000. The car that it came out of may of had that, the car it is in may have 250,000.

Answer 2

Just remember if you buy a car with a salvage title, and you total it, the insurance company will only pay you what it is worth. Being a salvage, it wont be more than a few hundred dollars. Some insurance companies do issue a salvage title rather quickly when it comes to the cars with expensive parts. Ive seen this alot in the cars with the bumpers that have the sensors and cameras in them, or if the airbag goes off, these can cost a few thousand dollars to fix. In this case, the insurance company will consider the car totaled so it doesnt have to pay for the damage. In this case, you can have a car that is valued at 30k, but as far as the insurance is concerned, its only worth about 10k or less because it is listed as a salvage.

Answer 3

In Nevada, you cannot legally drive a car with a salvage title on the roads. Also, you cannot register a car with a rebuilt title in Nevada.

Each state is different, though.

Personally, I would steer clear of buying a salvage title car.

Answer 4

well in most cases buying a salvage car can be a very bad decision, espically if der was any engine damage, you can always see if the engine has had ne damage because they will replace the hood, the stock hood of the car when u open has all the cars information on it so if it doesnt yea then its been hit from the front stay away! salvage titles are tempting but in the long run ull get scrweed over man trust me

Answer 5

haha no no. DONT buy a car with a salvage title unless its a VERY good deal and you are prepared for the consequences.

Insurance companies dont just total vehicles for the fun of it- its usually because there majorly screwed up. For example- my company only tows vehicles when it cost more to repair the vehicle then to replace it.

If your salvaged vehicle ever gets totalled expect to only get about 40% of its actual cash value (so id be sure that you only pay 40% of what that car would normally cost!)

Also be prepared for problems such as frame damage and all sorts of other fun stuff

Answer 6

STAY AWAY!!! You may find good salvage title auto, but it is real rare. Most sellers/dealers will disclose what is wrong with it, but also be sure to get a carfax report before hand.

Watch for frame damage and flooding. After either of those, the auto is trash.

Answer 7

Insurance companies are quick to issue salvage titles if the air bags go off even if there isn't all that much damage. Air bags are $2,500.00 (or more) each so it frequently isn't cost effective for the insurance company to fix it.

Answer 8

You can put work into the car and make it viable again if you are capable/so choose. Otherwise, try to find a certified used car if you need it for travel. If you want something to fix up in your free time, go nuts with whatever your heart may desire.

Answer 9

salvage my friend means garbage!