There are many who believe that buying a salvage vehicle is a waste of money, but it can be an inexpensive option for a car shopper as long as he or she knows what comes along with it. If you too are looking for good deals on salvage cars, there are a few things to know about these vehicles. If a vehicle’s total damage exceeds a certain percentage of its total value (75-90 percent) and the insurance company believes it is economically impractical to repair it, it is declared a "total loss" and the motor vehicle agency issues a salvage title.
A salvage car doesn't necessarily mean it has been involved in a collision. Several factors, such as hail, flood, vandalism, theft, or other non-repairable conditions, can also earn the vehicle a salvage title.
Buying a Salvage Car
If you are comfortable owning and driving a car that has a salvage title there's no harm in buying it. Here are a few suggestions to help you minimize the risk of buying a salvage vehicle:
Inspect the vehicle
One of the most important things you should do before buying a salvage car is get it checked by a reliable mechanic. A car professional will definitely have a more knowledge about the parts, and he or she will be able to quickly spot any danger spots, such as damaged parts or demanding repairs.
Purchase from a reliable source
How long your salvage car will remain with you depends on the shop from where you buy it. The online car bidding auction sites are becoming more popular among car enthusiasts and those looking for cars at a cheaper price. Try to learn more about the facility and if it makes quality repairs on the vehicle before selling it.
Make an original repair estimate
To know how badly the car is damaged, it is better to calculate the repair estimate. This way you will be able to find out the parts that were replaced and the severity of the damage.
Buying a salvage car eventually pays off and it can perform well for years. However, you need to do thorough research before zeroing in on one model. It is always better to check out at least three to four models and explore online car bidding auction sites before buying.