Salvage title HELP?

Question

I look at buying a and i found out it has a salvage title. whats so back about? is it going to be hard to sell when i want to sell it? any help here would be nice

Answer 1

Salvage cars are usually heavily damaged cars, but not always. Some could have been in a flood at a dealer and sustained only minor damage, but all the cars were declared total losses to make the process easier and quicker. Some can be cars that were stolen and recovered later after insurance has paid the owner. The vehicle might have absolutely no damage at all. Here's an article that might explain it a little better:

http://www.leaseguide.com/Articles/salva...

Some states have a process that allows salvage cars to be converted to clean titles. Check with your state DMV web site.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am guessing it is an older model vehicle or has been in a major accident. I would have to say no as my personal opinion if it is in really good shape, but some people figure if it has been damaged, there are hidden problems with the vehicle, so it really just depends on the buyer's opinion. Good luck!

Answer 3

Check your State DMV on this matter.  My state, if you are applying for new tags and a new title, will not allow a vehicle to receive a clear title for registration purposes if applied for with a salvage title.  A salvaged title usually indicates that vehicle was in a flood, extensive fire damage,  serious collision damage or had been stolen with the cost exceeding the repair value to name some of the reasons for issuing a salvage title.

Answer 4

If it has a salvage title, it is worth less than half of what book price shows. It is also hard to find a company to insure it. It is also likely to have problems. I suggest avoiding this one.

Answer 5

Yes!  A salvage title is a bad thing in general terms.  It means the car sustained damage greater than 60% of the retail value and/or has frame damage.  If you want to own the car until the wheels fall off and the repairs were done well, this is not an issue.  If you want to eventually trade and/or sell the car it will be worth 50% of what a similar car would be without a salvage title.  Frame damage can cause a lot of problems from fit and finish issues (locks don't lock right) to excessive wear on tires and suspension, motor mounts, etc etc.

If you are still considering the car, and I hope you are purchasing it for half of what one without a salvage title sells for, make sure you invest $100 and take it to a mechanic you trust before you sign the papers.  An experienced mechanic can tell you how much of the car was damaged and the quality of the repair.

Good luck.