How to find a reliable used car with a rebuilt title
While it may indicate severe past damage, cars with rebuilt titles can be quite reliable. However, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure you choose a used vehicle that is reliable and right for you.
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Check vehicle history report
With a detailed history report, you can learn more about ownership and title history. More importantly, it can even give you a closer look at his accident history and the type of damage he suffered at the time and throughout his life from him. This report will help you better understand what repairs he may have needed.
You can even see how it was fixed. Reported maintenance and repair information can highlight the services performed and where it was repaired. With these details, it will be easy to see if the used car you want has received all the repairs it needs.
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Look at the repairs needed
If you come across a used car with a rebuilt title, it usually means it has suffered damage in the past. However, these cars can still deliver reliable performance after they’ve been serviced by a team of service professionals at a top-tier auto repair shop or service center.
Service centers and body shops have high standards when it comes to the safety, performance, and overall reliability of the vehicles they maintain and repair. By looking at the vehicle’s history report or talking to the seller, you can find out where the used car received needed repairs along with its maintenance history.
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Buy your used car from a dealer
There are many reliable used cars with rebuilt titles available across the country. However, it’s best to buy from a dealer to ensure you get something that is truly reliable.
How To Determine If A Rebuilt Title Car Is Right For You!
If you’ve found a car with a brand title that you’re seriously considering, pause for a moment; Take a deep breath. There are a few questions to ask yourself before committing to salvage or rebuilt a car.
- “Can I see the receipts?” If the car was repaired by the current owner, ask for a detailed breakdown of the repairs to determine how thorough it was done and whether quality parts were used by qualified technicians.
- “Where were the repairs completed?” Make sure the repairs have been carried out by a reputable workshop. If a backyard mechanic did it, he’s taking a chance.
- “Have you secured it as a brand title?” You can get an idea of whether a rebuilt car is insurable if the current owner was able to insure it. If they haven’t, it should send red flags.
- “Was there chassis or drivetrain damage?” Two areas where people tend to cut corners on repairs are expensive ones: the frame, the engine, and the transmission. If these were affected in the accident, be very careful how you proceed.
- “Have repairs been estimated?” If you’re thinking of buying a salvage car, determine if the seller has already estimated the repairs. If so, be aware of the possibility of additional hidden damage costs as well.
If you received all the correct answers to these questions, we recommend having a reputable mechanic perform an inspection to determine how well the car has been repaired or restored. The last thing you want is to end up with a lemon car. And don’t forget to take the car for several test drives to make sure it drives well, runs smoothly, and doesn’t make any strange noises!
Don’t be fooled by title laundering
Unfortunately, there are shady sellers in the market who use a technique called “ title laundering ”. This illegal process involves the removal of a trademark title by moving and securing it outside of the counties. Since most counties have their own systems for transferring titles, there is an opportunity to transfer a car without reporting a salvage or rebuild status. These evil people then sell it as a used car with a clean title, scamming people out of thousands of dollars.
However, you can avoid being scammed by title laundering when shopping for a used car. A total loss car is recorded on a vehicle history report, such as Carfax.
Be sure to get a vehicle history report on any vehicle before you complete the purchase.
To verify a car’s title, record the 17-digit VIN number found on the driver’s side of the dash, visible through the windshield. Log in to Carfax to receive a detailed vehicle history report, including repairs, title status, and any other red flags.
What are the pros and cons of buying a car with a rebuilt title?
Rebuilt cars for sale can also be a big deal in the right circumstances. Since the repairs have already been completed and the vehicle certified, you can avoid the guessing game associated with salvage cars. Comparatively, a car with a rebuilt title can be purchased for 20% to 50% less than one with a clean title.
However, the flip side is that your car is worth much less than the same model with a clean title and is less desirable. Also, it is not known how well the repairs were completed: were worn, salvaged, or poor quality parts used in the repairs? Was it a flood vehicle that is now susceptible to premature corrosion? Were the bodywork and paint done correctly, or will it start to fall apart soon after you shell out your money? It’s a bet.
