Getting a vehicle with a rebuilt title is a great way to save money. These vehicles have been damaged in some way and then fixed up to be made legally roadworthy again. There are risks you should know before purchasing a car with a rebuilt title. Below I’ll address risks, answer frequently asked questions and discuss where to buy rebuilt title cars for sale near me.
Map of Rebuilt Title Cars For Sale Near Me
For “rebuilt title car near me” or “rebuilt cars for sale”, see the map below…
What are Rebuilt Title Cars?
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A new or unharmed car, which has never been in a crash or been ‘totaled’, meaning it is declared unsalvageable, has what is known as a clean title. If a car is involved in an accident that makes it physically unable to be driven or used in any way, it will lose its clean title and be given a salvage title by the insurance company. This means the car is not fit to be used or driven – it is essentially scrap metal, for all intents and purposes.
A rebuilt title is what comes after a salvage title car is fixed up and repaired to the point where it is safe to drive. Rebuilt title cars are legal to purchase and drive, but the reason for the title is to let potential buyers know that the car has previously been totaled, or written off, in its life.
Where To Find Rebuilt Title Cars For Sale Near Me?
If you can’t afford a brand-new car or want an old model car that is no longer made, you are likely to go looking for second-hand cars.
Some of the best places to go are junkyards, used car dealers, auto auctions, and then sites like Craigslist. You can find rebuilt titles on sites like Autotrader as well. When looking for rebuilt title cars for sale near me, I tend to do all of those methods.
When a seller is advertising a rebuilt title car, they are legally required to state that the car has a rebuilt title. If these details are not immediately available when shopping for a used car, ask the dealership for the paperwork that states the title of the car before you go further. This is typically where you want to make sure you ask for the CarFax report before you commit to buying a vehicle.
In my experience the two best options for rebuilt title cars are junkyards and auto auctions. There you will find your best deals. You however should make sure that you look up the VIN and check vehicle history reports, and look at the title. Often a used car dealer will do this stuff for you, whereas an auction or junkyard may not.
What to Look for When Evaluating a Rebuilt Title Vehicle
If you have never bought a rebuilt title vehicle before, this is a good video to watch. This guy does a hands on walk through of a rebuilt tile car. It is a great watch to help you understand what to do.
If I would add anything to how I look for rebuilt title cars for sale near me to the above video it would probably be to check the transmission fluid (not just the oil), and the tire tread depth.
Can You Get A Loan For A Rebuilt Title?
When you take out a loan in order to purchase a car, the lender has what is called a stake in the purchase. That means the outcome of the purchase, its quality and longevity, matters to the lender. They therefore usually only lend to those buying cars which are more or less guaranteed to last a long time.
When it comes to rebuilt title cars, it can be tricky to tell whether they will last long or be reliable. A rebuilt car is legally safe to drive and will be in full working order, but the previous damage done to the car means it may be more vulnerable to damage and breakdowns than a clean title car. You can apply for a loan for a rebuilt title car, but it is less likely you will be accepted than with a clean title.
How Does A Rebuilt Title Affect Insurance?
A rebuilt title car still qualifies for full insurance, but many insurance premiums will be higher than with a clean title car. This is purely due to the fact that a rebuilt title car is deemed more unreliable for insurance purposes. Some insurance companies do not offer coverage for rebuilt cars at all. Those that do, therefore, can increase their premiums because they know there is not much competition. You may find that your insurance is also affected by other factors such as age, driving and insurance history, and your credit score.
This being said, you can find insurance coverage for your rebuilt title car which is still more affordable than buying a brand new clean title car. It all depends on what you’re willing to spend your money on. If you get a high insurance quote on a rebuilt title car you can try other strategies to lower your auto insurance rate.
For more info on how to insure a vehicle with a rebuilt title, click here.
What Paperwork Is Required For Registering A Vehicle With A Rebuilt Title?
Depending on where you are trying to register a vehicle with a rebuilt title, you can usually register a rebuilt title vehicle through the same channels as any other vehicle. If you buy a salvage title vehicle with the aim of eventually registering it with a rebuilt title, you will need a license to rebuild to do so. If you are simply trying to register your rebuilt title vehicle, you may have to have an inspection done by a licensed company, as well as provide the salvage title documentation, photographic evidence, and receipts for parts used to rebuild the vehicle.
To register your car, you will also need any and all forms you received on purchasing it, a copy of your driver’s license, and your insurance provider details. Each US state has different rules and you can check your local DMV for the proper paperwork you need for your locality.
Rebuilt Title Cars For Sale Near Me – Conclusion
Rebuilt title vehicles are a great way to save money. Before you buy one though you should know that getting a loan or insurance can have its challenges. I think the best places to find cars with rebuilt titles for sale are junkyards and auto auctions. While you have to do some research yourself, you can often get the rebuilt title for less money. This is what I have learned from the places that have rebuilt title cars for sale near me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It OK to Buy a Car With a Rebuilt Title?
Rebuilt title cars are a great way to save money on a vehicle. For a rebuilt title to be issued the car must be able to pass a state inspection. To do that, a certified independent mechanic needs to ensure that it is safe to drive and runs properly.
Do Rebuilt Titles Cost More to Insure?
Yes, typically a rebuilt title car will have a higher insurance premium than one with a clean title. The higher rates are not because the car is more dangerous, but because not all insurance companies will insure a rebuilt title vehicle. Therefore since fewer insurance companies offer the insurance, those that do can charge higher rates because they don’t have competition for your business.
What is The Downside of a Rebuilt Title?
The downside to a rebuilt title car is that you have limited insurance options. This leads to paying higher rates for coverage. Some companies that offer insurance for a rebuilt title will only offer liability coverage. Ideally, you should shop for rebuilt title insurance before you purchase a rebuilt title car.
How Do I Find Rebuilt Title Cars for Sale?
There are several great places to find rebuilt title cars for sale.
This includes:
- Auctions
- Auto Dealers (local and online)
- eBAy
- Craigslist
- Newspaper classifieds
- Auto Salvage Yards
