Rebuilt Title
Rebuilt title is one of the multiple so-called “branded titles” given to vehicles the value of which has been decreased for a number of reasons, such as accidents, water, fire or other types of damage, theft, odometer tampering or essential wear. Rebuilt title is given to previously total loss cars or salvage cars, which were later repaired, reinspected by an authorized mechanic so as to meet all structural and safety requirements, and finally recognized roadworthy and driveable. The market value of rebuilt title cars is considerably lower than that of vehicles with non-branded titles.
Please note that vehicle title branding and specific terms differ depending on the state law, so varies the rebuilt title definition. For example, in NJ a standard title with a “salvage” suffix is used instead of rebuilt title for salvaged and then rebuilt vehicles. Other terms possibly used instead of rebuilt title is “reconstructed”.
Is a rebuilt title bad?
A rebuilt title is certainly not as bad as a salvage title from value and drivability viewpoints. A rebuilt car can be a really good deal, although there are many risks associated with buying a rebuilt vehicle. Remember that the concept “total loss” is based not on the gravity of functional damage but on estimated repair costs for the insurance company, which can run up really high with just scratches, pecks, broken glass elements, tires, costly disks, etc. A totaled car may still be relatively intact inside. In some states, rebuilt title can be given after theft recovery, even if the vehicle wasn’t damaged. When weight all pros and cons of rebuilt vehicles, much depends on the reputability and honesty of the dealer. Some dealers purchase only those salvaged vehicles that can be properly restored because the major parts were not badly damaged. Such vehicles may be more expensive to buy for both the dealer and the end user. However, the temptation to buy a dirt cheap junk, polish it, give it excellent looks (with a lot of problems inside) and sell at a good price is very strong and many dishonest dealers practice this. You should always keep in mind the following: rebuilt title vehicle is not a post-overhaul vehicle (some buyers make this mistake). Rebuilt title means that the vehicle has been salvaged, and a salvage title means that the cost of repairing the vehicle was once above 75-100% of its market value. Given that, you can only guess if repair jobs were properly done. This is one of the major problems of rebuilt title vehicles: estimating their actual value can be pretty difficult.
Rebuilt title and title-washing
Ideally, rebuilt brand should remain on the vehicle’s title permanently as it is tied to its VIN number. However, in practice this principle frequently fails because there is no unified federal law to regulate vehicle title branding. As a result, every state has its own regulations regarding vehicle title branding and recognizing vehicles junk, repairable or roadworthy.
This divergence cleared the way for the so-called “title-washing” scam, which is widely used by dishonest dealers to overcharge used car buyers for low-value or even non-roadworthy junk cars. Sometimes the new state where the vehicle is being registered does not recognize the title issued in another state and gives and new, clean title to all newly registered vehicles, even though some states require that a vehicle pass a safety inspection. Another problem is that in different states the criteria for recognizing a vehicle “total loss” vary: a vehicle issued a ‘junk’ title in one jurisdiction, may be deemed repairable under another state’s jurisdiction.
That’s why pre-purchase VIN checks that help track the history of the vehicle across all the states are so important, even if the current vehicle title is clean. You need to know what title the vehicle has in every state it has been registered in (and there can be many of them!). A vehicle that has a rebuilt title certainly has a thorough background check.
Believe or not, but a previously salvaged car can receive a clean title not just due to deliberate title-washing. Sometimes DMV employees responsible for assigning titles….may forget to enter the corresponding code into the computer when registering a new vehicle, and voila - the title is clean! I also know a guy who had an opposite problem - his clean car had a rebuilt car title put by mistake into the database. He discovered it while filing and insurance claim…Fortunately, car history and inspection proved that it was actually clean.
What if I still want to buy a rebuilt title car?
- Run VIN check. This is a must. Don’t try to save on a car history report, it’s a must. Not just you finances but your and your family’s safety depend on that report.
- For every state where the vehicle received a new title, check the regulations regarding title branding and, specifically, the title your potential car has been given
- For every state where the vehicle received a new title, check structural and safety requirements a registered car must meet to be recognized roadworthy,
- Hire an independent mechanic to inspect the rebuilt title car before you buy it and test drive it together with you. This is also a must. Remember that it’s you and your family and not the mechanics that do mandatory routine state inspections who will drive that car and rely on the safety of the vehicle with a rebuilt title.
So, what is Rebuilt Title?
The term rebuilt title is frequently misinterpreted, which prevents many used car buyers from making an informed purchasing decision and results is significant financial loss or even safety threat (if they buy the rebuilt vehicle) or missing out a great deal (if they don’t buy). This website is an attempt to explain and define rebuilt title as seen under different states’ law, and review all associated risks and benefits to potential used car buyers. We hope this information helps you helps you better understand rebuilt title, choose a used vehicle confidently and make a safe buying decision.