The concept of a rebuilt title often brings mixed feelings among potential car buyers. On one hand, a rebuilt title can signify a vehicle has been restored to a drivable condition after sustaining significant damage and this is a good thing.
On the other hand, it can raise concerns about the quality of repairs and the vehicle’s long-term reliability. This article will explore what a rebuilt title is, the differences between rebuilt and salvage titles, the pros and cons of purchasing such vehicles, and essential considerations for buyers.
What is a Rebuilt Title?
If you find a vehicle with a rebuilt title, it means it was previously involved in a severe accident and declared a total loss by an insurance company. In such situations, the vehicle sustains serious damages, is issued a salvage title, and is unfit for the road.
These vehicles may become roadworthy and pass a state inspection test with proper repairs. They must also have their original VINs and be free from any major structural damage that could compromise safety.
When these conditions are met, the DMV will grant them a new, rebuilt title to show that the car is back in excellent condition and roadworthy.
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Differences Between Rebuilt and Salvage Titles
If you don’t understand the whole salvage and rebuilt title situation, we’ll explain it clearly. Let’s examine the difference between both title brands. How does a car get a salvage or rebuilt title?
Salvage Title
A salvage title is assigned to a vehicle that has been damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs exceeds about 75-80% of its market value.
This designation is often given after an accident, flood, or other catastrophic event. Vehicles with salvage titles can only be legally driven once they have been repaired and re-inspected.
Rebuilt Title
As already explained, after a vehicle has been given a salvage title, it may be roadworthy again through repairs. These repairs must be done by a professional mechanic, and then the vehicle must pass a safety inspection by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If the vehicle passes, it gets a rebuilt title. This warns car buyers and owners that the vehicle has been previously damaged and lost a lot of its market value but is now in roadworthy condition.
Key Differences
The main differences between salvage and rebuilt titles include:
- Condition: Salvage titles indicate significant damage, while rebuilt titles signify repairs have been made.
- Legality: Salvaged cars cannot be driven until they have been repaired and passed inspection, while rebuilt titles allow for legal use of the car on the highway.
- Value of the vehicle: Auto vehicles with salvage titles have a much lower value than cars with rebuilt titles.
READ ALSO: What Does an Exempt Mileage Title Mean for a Car?
Pros and Cons of Buying a Car with a Rebuilt Title
If you are considering buying a used car with a rebuilt title, knowing the pros and cons of buying one is beneficial. They are:
Pros
- Lower purchase price: A car with a rebuilt title will sell considerably less than a similar model with a clean title. You can consider this if the money is tight, though never disregard the importance of excellent quality and standard.
- Potential for a reliable vehicle if repairs are done correctly: Sometimes, if the repairs are done efficiently and professionally, you will realize that the car is better than you assumed. For instance, there are some salvage vehicles that may still be mechanically perfectly good, but they require expensive parts, parts that the insurance company may not have agreed to pay for. This gives you a great buy at an affordable price.
Cons
- Possible hidden damage: Some rebuilt vehicles may have hidden mechanical issues that arise after a couple of years. Such problems could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs later on.
- Lower resale value: A vehicle with a rebuilt title is likely to have a lower resale value compared to another car model or same brand but with a clean history. Consequently, if you decide to sell it later on, this affects your investment negatively.
- Difficulty obtaining insurance and financing: Finding insurance coverage for a rebuilt title car is difficult because most insurers are reluctant, and financing options are limited.
How to Verify the Quality of Repairs on Rebuilt Vehicles
In some cases, a vehicle can appear perfect on the outside with no visible signs of wear and tear or damage, while it is really much more damaged below the surface. With this in mind, you don’t need to take chances.
To avoid dealing with mechanical issues after your vehicle purchase, you have to ensure it is in exemplary shape. How? By following these simple steps:
Vehicle Inspection by a Mechanic
It is important to have a qualified mechanic inspect your rebuilt title vehicle before purchasing it. An expert may be able to spot potential problems which cannot be seen by someone without training and ensure that repairs were done well.
Repair Documentation
You also need to review the vehicle’s repair records to understand the original problems and how well repairs were made.
A reputable seller should have all the documents you need, which should clearly outline the nature of the damage and the repairs performed. This transparency can help assure buyers of the vehicle’s condition.
Test Drive
Conducting a thorough test drive is vital to check for any operational issues. Pay attention to how the vehicle handles any unusual noises and the performance of essential systems such as brakes and steering.
Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report is another important tool to make the right decisions in the used car market. With a vehicle history report, you can track the severity of the accident and damages sustained, along side the repairs.
You can also find out other red flags like theft records, flood damage, title brand records, maintenance history, and more past records with a VIN check tool and vehicle history report.
Auto Insurance and Financing for Rebuilt Title Cars
Buying a car with a rebuilt title typically will introduce you to various challenges in financing and insurance. Since these vehicles have been involved in serious accidents in the past, there is a high chance of a breakdown or structural failure.
This risk makes it difficult to receive insurance and finance salvage or rebuilt vehicles. However, some car insurance companies accept these vehicles but will most likely charge higher premiums. To go past these challenges, you must remember to:
- Shop around for insurance: You need to do the work and put a lot of effort into research. Look for insurance companies specializing in high-risk vehicles with favorable policies for rebuilt titles.
- Seek specialized lenders: The usual lenders will refuse to give you financing, but you can search for one that does. You can also check for lenders focused on financing rebuilt title vehicles.
The key lies in how much research you put in. Remember to keep repair records and receipts as proof of repairs for the insurer or lender.
Legal Considerations and Disclosure
When selling a rebuilt car, there are legal requirements for disclosure. Sellers must inform potential buyers of the vehicle’s title status. Sharing this information is important as it gives buyers directions and choices to make the best decision.
Keeping the rebuilt title hidden will only lead to legal repercussions and loss of trust. If you are a buyer, you must verify the title status through a title check service. This way, you can be sure of your purchase through history records and make the right decision.
Conclusion
In summary, a rebuilt title can offer a cost-effective option for car buyers, but it comes with its own set of risks and considerations. By knowing the pros and cons of getting a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you can consider the value you’ll receive versus the potential costs.
If it’s worth it, you can give it a try. It is important though to ensure you carry out mechanical inspections, check repair records, go for test drives as well as obtain vehicle history report from recognizable companies such as Detailed Vehicle History.
