The Real Truth about Vehicle History Reports, “Salvaged” and “Rebuilt Title” Cars
How to Save Thousands of $ on a Rebuilt Car without Getting Burned (7 Simple Steps)
What could you do with a few extra thousand dollars?
Step 1. Know the Truth about Vehicle History Reports and the “Clean Title” Myth
Despite what some used car dealers would have you believe, a vehicle history report is no guarantee of a true history. It is not mandatory to report an accident to these agencies.
VIDEO “Why You Can’t Always Trust a Vehicle History Report”
YOUR VEHICLE HISTORY NIGHTMARE: Sometimes it takes years for the reporting agencies to add accidents to a car’s report.
You BUY a car that has a “clean” history. Then, a couple years later, the reporting agency catches up and adds old accidents (that were not on the report when you bought it). Now you’re stuck trying to SELL a car with a “dirty” history.
Thousands of dollars out of your pocket!
Step 2. Know the Definition of “Salvaged”.
Many people think “salvaged” means “old”, “beyond repair”, “piece of junk”. If you think this, you could cost yourself thousands of dollars on your next car.
It’s not the Damage, it’s the State Rules.
Different states have different definitions for “salvage”, often based on how repair costs compare to the value of the car.
But in some states, a damaged suspension is enough to get a car stamped “salvaged”. And a damaged suspension by no means makes a car “old” “beyond repair” or a “piece of junk”.
It’s not the Damage, it’s the Cost of the Parts
Very new cars often get stamped “salvage” simply because they are so new. Because it’s hard to find inexpensive, used parts for very new cars, this drives up the repair cost. And if the costs are high, “salvaged” is usually the verdict.
But Here’s a Question for you: Imagine two Dodge Vipers. Both are the same price. Both were in similar accidents...but one is a current year model with "rebuilt” title and the other is 3 years old with a “clean" title. Again, both are the same price. Which would you choose? The newer one marked “rebuilt” of course.
Step 3. Know the Truth about Insurance Repairs
People think that “clear title” vehicles were repaired using only new original manufacture (dealer) parts. And that “salvaged” cars are repaired with used and aftermarket parts.
NOT TRUE. If your “clear title” vehicle is damaged, the insurance company always tries to keep costs as low as possible by insisting on used and aftermarket parts.
Don't forget, insurance companies need to make a profit too, they want to charge high premiums and pay low claims.
How do we know this? We do repairs for insurance companies.
Step 4. Know the Definition of "Rebuilt" Title
This title is given to a car that has gone through the salvage procedure. However, this could have been due to “theft” instead of damage. Does “theft” make a car “old” “piece of junk” “beyond repair”? Of course not.
Knowing why a car has been given a “rebuilt” title can save you thousands.
Look at the BMW M3 in the photo?.
Does this car look “beyond repair” or like a “piece of junk”?
This car was purchased at a salvage auction with a “junk” title. Many people think this means “beyond repair”.
Well, we repaired the body, the suspension and gave it a new paint job. Then the owner tuned the engine and won several races. And the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) displayed it at the 2006 Annual Chicago Auto Show.
Not bad for a “junk” car, huh?
Information is power.
Step 5: Get an Experienced Professional on Your Side.
Before you purchase a salvaged car, contact a professional rebuilder who has done thousands of repairs. If you don’t do repairs everyday, chances are you’ll underestimate the time and expense required. Work with a pro.
Step 6: Team with a Professional Who Uses State of the Art Repair Equipment.
The technology used by a rebuilder can make a big difference in the quality and cost of your repairs. If I asked you to saw through 7 trees with a chain saw, what would you charge me? Now, if I asked you to saw through the same 7 trees with a butter knife, what would you charge me?
Work with a “chainsaw” rebuilder, not a “butter knife” rebuilder.
At Rebuiltcars.com we use only the most modern, state of the art equipment. If you’re a gearhead and want to drool a little...check out our “toys” here...
In short: there is no guesswork. Car-o-liner equipment enables our I-CAR and PPG certified technicians to restore your vehicle to the manufacture's specifications. Down to the millimeter. And not just by brand name but even by the plant where the car was assembled! Car-o-liner equipment is approved by Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and many others.
Step 7: Only Work with a Professional Who Will GUARANTEE Your Car
It's simple, just don't work with anyone who will not stand behind his repairs.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between repairs done to repaired (insurance work) vehicles and rebuilt (salvage work) vehicles?
f the repairs are done by competent professionals with state of the art equipment, there should be no difference.
2. Why are some rebuilt cars cheaper than other rebuilt cars?
There are three possibilities.
The first – selling at a loss. The rebuilder has run into cash flow problems and needs to cash out fast. So he agrees to sell the vehicle at a loss.
The second – shoddy repairs. We’ve seen cars that were literally hammered together with nails.
Third - Experience and inventory. A professional rebuilder knows how to buy, when to buy, and what to buy. They have state of the art equipment and trained people that allow them to repair cars correctly, efficiently and inexpensively. They have relationships with suppliers that allow them to get volume discounts. They do it the right way. You get the best car for the best price.
SO, What’s the Bottom Line?
IF you partner with the right rebuilder, you will..
- Get more car for your buck.
- Drive a newer car for the same money you would spend on an older car (Dodge Viper example)
- Pay lower taxes.
- Get the peace of mind of warrantied repairs
- Save money on the depreciation of your car.
- Do your part for the environment (rebuilt is recycled)
- Save money on maintenance. When you buy a used car you need to change the tires, check the alignment, brakes, and perform regular maintenance right away.
But a rebuilt car from a professional rebuilder has been thoroughly inspected. You’ll save hundreds of dollars in the first few months you own the vehicle.
- Be able to spend money on other things...Vacation? Big screen TV?
How will you spend the thousands of dollars you’ll save by buying a quality rebuilt car?
