Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson
I don't buy anything with a non standard title. Rebuilt, salvage, etc. is a scarlet letter to me.
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Brian, have you READ the Scarlet Letter? I'm not sure your comment conveys what you meant it to, hahaha. :-)
Anyway; here's my take on a branded title: if you're going to keep the car forever (or until it's worth nothing regardless of title issue) then I wouldn't worry about the title status. But I WOULD consider it a notice that you should inspect the car far more thoroughly than another car.
And in this case, where you're considering buying it as a "salvage" title; be sure you understand how your state handles the process of changing that from "salvage" to "rebuilt". (In most (or all?) states, a salvage title cannot be licensed or insured, it must be converted to a rebuilt title). Then decide what work you're going to do yourself, versus paying someone else to do it for you. Remember: if it's on an auction site, then all of the usual "rebuilders" in the area have already passed on it, feeling like they can't rebuild it properly and still have room to make some $$ on it.
I just went through this process with a '15 JEEP Renegade. My wife HAD to have it.... and it was a totaled car in a salvage yard. I spent a month of evenings on it and about $2k, doing all the work myself except the paint. Now my wife has a very nice little ride, at about half-price.
And here's the kicker: don't plan on ever selling it. you'll take a bath on it. Very few people are comfortable buying a branded-title vehicle. Some because they don't understand them, but many others because they DO understand them..... haha.
so if you buy it, plan to do ALL the work yourself, and keep it forever.
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