Have you ever bought a newer car, with low miles, but that had a "salvage" title?

Question

I'm looking at several newer cars that have "salvage" titles due to accidents, which have since been repaired. I was wondering if anyone else had done this and what your experiences were. Specifically, I'm looking at a Toyota Matrix or other small hatchback.

Answer 1

You definitely want to have a qualified mechanic inspect the car BEFORE you buy it.  More and more cars have salvage titles these days because of the high costs of replacement parts.  In the old days, they would pound out dents and use bondo, repaint and presto - a relatively small repair bill.  Now they just take off the damaged fender and put a new one on.  A total loss is when the insurance company determines that the cost of fixing the car is going to be more than the car is worth.  These cars can be rebuilt and resold, but they must show salvage title.  You want to avoid cars that are salvage due to flood damage.  Make sure that the mechanic inspects the frame and it is OK.  And yes, the price should be MUCH lower than a car with a clean title.

Answer 2

There are many newer cars out there with salvage titles, however, don't get caught up paying to much. Typically, a car with a salvage title will be worth about half of what it would be normally. Check it out REAL GOOD. If there are electrical problems, WALK AWAY. Have a technicain check it out as well.

Answer 3

Once years ago...

I bought an old Trans Am that way...

insurance had called it a total loss but as a valuable car it was put back together and resold...

They did a good job I had the car for years, mostly problem free...just the normal wear and tear stuff...

it didn't matter until it came time to trade it in,,,the dealer wouldn't take it...but I did sell it to a Private party still I got less then she was worth given were talking about a 78 Bandit collector car