What is a salvage car?
Before you decide to buy a salvage car, first you need to understand the meaning of a salvage car. Generally, a salvage title is given to a vehicle when it is estimated by the insurer that its cost of repair will exceed 75% of its market value. These cars are sold under the salvage or rebuilt tag and you can get them at substantially lower prices than other types of used cars.
Based on my experience, the following are some factors that you should consider when buying a car with a salvage title:
How Damaged is the Car Frame?
If you plan to buy a salvage car, get it inspected carefully before deciding to buy it. The most important car component that you should inspect is its frame. Ask your trusted mechanic to inspect the frame thoroughly and give you detailed feedback about the damage. No matter how good a car looks, never buy it if it has a bent frame.
Find the reason of Damage
When opting to buy a salvage car, it is advisable to find out how the car was damaged. Apart from crash, flood and fire, damaged cars are also listed as salvaged. Avoid buying cars that have been damaged by floods or fire. It is quite difficult to figure out the type of repair work the car will need in case it has been damaged by fire or flood.
Assess the damage and cost of repair
Get the car inspected thoroughly to learn about its major issues. This will help you get an idea about the level of damage that the car has faced. Ask your mechanic for some honest feedback on the cost of repair.
Technological advancements, economy, environmental reforms and other factors have resulted in drastic changes in the salvage auto business. Some online auto auctions make the job of bidding on a salvage car easy.