What's a Rebuilt Title?

If you are looking to purchase a used vehicle, you may come across the term rebuilt car title. Knowing what this is can have an impact on your decision to buy this vehicle. Most states have a definition of what a rebuilt car title is, and these definitions are not always the same and can vary from one state to the next.

What's A Rebuilt Title?

Generally speaking, a rebuilt car title is a title for a vehicle that was considered a salvage vehicle at one point, and then was repaired or restored in order to be resold. In most cases, a car with a rebuilt title would have had a salvage title once it was damaged and considered inoperable. Most totaled vehicles end up with a salvage title, but once they are restored a rebuilt title is issued.

Should You Avoid A Rebuilt Title Car?

Some people purchase rebuilt vehicles and have no issues whatsoever, and others have had different experiences. There are some types of accidents and situations where a person might not want to purchase a rebuilt title car. There are a few different steps and tips that a person can use in order to get more information about rebuilt vehicles.

First off, you can find more information about the damage to the vehicle in many cases. This information can be obtained at your local DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. Numerous companies provide vehicle history reports over the Internet. These can also be used to get more information about the accident history and other damages that have occurred to the vehicle over its life.

There are a few questions that you will want to ask and get more information before purchasing a rebuilt title car. This includes finding out what the extent of the damage was and where the vehicle itself was repaired. Some repair companies use spare parts that are used to create replacement parts, which can shorten the life of the car you are looking to purchase. Knowing that it was repaired at a reputable automobile shop can help bring higher peace of mind when buying a rebuilt title vehicle.

In addition, you can check to see if the frame was damaged and whether or not it has been appropriately realigned. Frames that are not properly aligned can cause higher amounts of wear and strain, increasing the likelihood of needing repairs to tires, wheels, brakes, and the drivetrain.

Making sure that an independent and qualified auto professional has examined the car is a great way to catch possible repairs that have not been done correctly. Some vehicles may cost more to repair in the long run, and you may want to avoid purchasing the car if this could be the case. Also, keep in mind that you will need to find automobile insurance for the vehicle in order to drive it in your state legally. Many automobile insurance companies deny insurance for rebuilt title cars. You can contact insurance companies to see whether they will provide a policy for the vehicle you are looking to purchase, before buying the car.

Other terms that are used in place of the term salvage car are junk car, flood-damaged car, and numerous others.

How Can You Tell If It's Been Rebuilt Properly?

Getting an automobile inspection is essential when looking to purchase a rebuilt vehicle. In many cases, people looking at rebuilt vehicles cannot afford an inspection, however. If you are getting a vehicle inspection, make sure to let the mechanic know that it is a rebuilt vehicle. By having them carefully evaluate the car, they may be able to catch anything that compromises the integrity of the car. Buying a rebuilt vehicle can be a fantastic way to get a great deal, but verifying that the vehicle has been properly rebuilt is essential.

Difference Between Salvaged And Reconstructed Titles

Before you buy a vehicle that was totaled, make sure to do your research. A car becomes totaled when the insurance company decides not to pay for repairs on it. This often happens because the cost of repairs is close to the value of the vehicle itself. Some companies or people choose to repair the vehicle anyway, resulting in a rebuilt car title being issued. The benefits of buying salvage vehicles that have been repaired are a reduction in cost. Some of these vehicles are not in terrible shape, while others are questionable. There is a risk to buying a salvaged car, even if it has been repaired. More repairs may be needed, and these repairs can sometimes be costly.