Auto Salvage Title
4 Answers
It means the car was damaged and totaled by the insurance company and then repaired and resold. Salvage title cars even if repaired properly (some are not) are worth a lot less than a equivalent car with a clean title. I would not buy one and your insurance company may have a problem with insuring a repaired wreck.
Salvaged title cars are a great value and I presently own two of them for my own personal car and had previously owned several. Insurance companies have no problem issuing insurance. Many dealers specialize in these type of vehicles, as they offer excellent value. Insurance companies declare a vehicle a "total loss" based on the cost of repairs as compared to the cost of replacement. Insurance companies DO NOT declare a total loss of the amount of damage, which could go from "moderate to extreme". Is important you know exactly what the damage was and obtain the proper reports. Generally speaking if there is no frame damage, it should be ok, however you should still ask all pertinent questions concerning extent of the damage. Dealer reputation and ratings are very important when purchasing a vehicle with a salvage title. They are a great value and perform as new, I know, I own two of them now for my daily life, and had several in years past.
A salvage title means the vehicle was previously deemed damaged or a total loss. Usually, this is done by an insurance company. If the vehicle was restored to "road worthiness" then the title could turn into a rebuilt salvage title, meaning that is was rebuilt and restored to the point where it can be driven again and registered.