What does salvage history mean

You can get the information you need for free, but using Car History can make the process easier. Taking the time to understand what the salvage history on a car means and using these tips to ensure you get the best deal is key.

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Share article:. So, what does the salvage history mean on a car? What would make a car end up with a salvage history? Here are a few reasons why: Fire damage Vehicles that have experienced fire damage externally or internally would automatically show up on this list, even if the engine was untouched.

Flooding damage Cars that have been in flood-ravaged areas may have extensive flooding damage that may make the cost of the repairs more than the actual value of the car. Collision damage Collision damage can be tricky. Parts missing after the car is stolen Any time a car is stripped for parts, chances are the insurance company will just salvage it due to the damage you can see and the damage you may not see.

A car that has been used in law enforcement, returned under warranty, heavily used as a taxi or manufactured for resale These types of vehicles are totaled as a loss due to the amount of use they have had and the liability it could cause in reselling to a customer without disclosing the information.

Should I purchase a car that has been salvaged? If you pay for a Carfax will that give a background detail? GuruZW38K answered 3 years ago. HierGirl answered 3 years ago. A brand new car can be crap straight out the factory a salvaged vehicle if repaired properly will be in better condition especially if you have the bumper rebuild better than it was originally like I did. LouieFelix answered 2 years ago. I have 2 teenage sons that are just getting their driving permits.

I think rebuilt, lower priced salvage vehicles are the perfect car for new drivers. Tomacker76 answered 2 years ago.

I just bought one from my mechanic who buys, rebuilds and sells these cars all the time. He replaced both rear quarter panels, the bumper, trunk and lights. BlackTJ answered about a year ago. Given a choice, this is like getting married to the town tramp. Might as well make appointments with your doctor, psychologist, paternity tester and lawyer now Saw a car on your sight that has a flaged history of salvage.

While you should always check the vehicle history report and have a trusted auto mechanic review the vehicles for problems, there are obvious signs that a vehicle is basically a rebuilt lemon and should be avoided. Ask the salvage title car's insurance company for the original repair estimate of all work done on the vehicle. That will give you a framework on how much damage the salvage title car has absorbed, and can help you negotiate a better purchase price.

Chances are, getting a good auto financing deal for a salvage title car isn't easy. That's why you should also focus on having a strong cash reserve to lessen the need for auto financing. You should also research alternative financing options, like a personal loan or a home equity line of credit to finance the purchase at a better interest rate, and with a potentially longer repayment timetable.

Some refurbished cars get a different, state-sanctioned stamp of approval in the form of a so-called "lemon law" used car sale. In that scenario, repaired vehicles are purchased by auto manufacturers and resold in dealer lots.

A growing number of states have laws that provide a legal remedy for purchasing a vehicle with insurmountable repair problems. Under most state lemon laws, a dealer must, at no cost to the buyer, repair any problems with the vehicle over a specified period of time or provide for full reimbursement for the costs of such repairs.

In the event an auto dealer is unable to repair the vehicle after a reasonable amount of time, depending on a state's lemon law statutes, the buyer is entitled to a complete refund of the damaged vehicle's purchase price.

Your state department of motor vehicles has detailed information on state lemon laws, including an explanation on salvage titles, and how to properly identify them. Here's a state-by-state list of U.

If you unknowingly purchased a salvage title car, and want to back out of the deal, you do have legal recourse. Your home state's consumer protection office can offer some valuable guidance on the purchase of a salvage title car, and get you on the path to a refund.

Here's a list of all state-by-state offices across the U. Contact the National Association of Consumer Advocates for a list of reputable lawyers in your state who handle salvage title car issues.

Leverage your "buyer's guide" to make your case the salvage title car was fraudulently sold. The U. Federal Trade Commission mandates that used-auto dealers provide new car customers with a buyer's guide on every vehicle on the lot, which covers a car's warranty information in the event of a dispute between a buyer and seller.

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