Buying a salvage title car can be tricky if you have never purchased one before, so there are some things that you should take into consideration before you check out the salvage cars for sale in your area or online at auto auction sites like A Better Bid (ABB) salvage title cars for sale, as well as other places that sell repairable cars for sale. When you buy your cars at an auction like A Better Bid (ABB) salvage car, you can search inventories before you decide to buy. It is important that when you shop for a salvage car you take your time and look at as many cars as possible that meet your buying criteria and budget before bidding on a car.
In addition to taking your time, here are some things that will make it easier for you to buy a salvage auto:
Know When Not to Buy a Car
Anytime that a vehicle is given a salvage title, you should consider it unsafe to drive on the roads until the necessary repairs have been made to it. When you buy a salvage title auto from an auction, you can be sure that the vehicle has been properly represented, and that you will have a good idea of what the expenses will be to make it street legal.
This same cannot be said if the seller either cannot or will not tell you what damage has happened to the vehicle, as well as what repairs it needs so it can be driven safely. If you find a car or truck that you like and the seller is less than responsive to your questions, it is time to pass on the car. There are many other salvage vehicles for sale where the seller will be happy to tell you the condition of the wrecked vehicle.
If you are unsure about buying a salvage vehicle, you might want to take someone with you who has experience in dealing with salvage cars. They can tell you what repairs you might need and whether or not the vehicle is worth purchasing. Cars that cannot be repaired should be considered junk cars.
Know When to Consider Buying a Car
If you find a salvage car that is within your budget, then make sure that you can do the repairs yourself or know someone who can help you get it to where it is road-worthy before you buy it.
If you do not know what to look for when you inspect the car before you buy it, be sure to take someone who is an experienced mechanic with you. You need to get an idea of how much more money you might have to spend to get it road-worthy.
Know When Buying ‘As-Is” is Okay
When you buy a vehicle ‘as-is’, you are not getting any type of warranty on the vehicle. Most used car dealers offer a short powertrain warranty on cars that they have on their lot, but a salvage auto is not included in those types of warranty. Since you already know in advance that the car has problems, it is up to you to decide if the car is worth it to you. If you trust the seller and you know what the car needs, then you might be okay with an ‘as-is’ sale.
Know the Difference Between a Rebuilt Title and a Salvage Title
A salvage title can never be turned into a clean title, but it can be given a rebuilt title.
A rebuilt title can be assigned after a salvage title vehicle has been repaired and passed inspection. A salvage title vehicle has been damaged past the point of what it is worth, so the bank or insurance company branded it with a salvage title to let people know that it needs repairs before you can register it or insure it. Once those repairs have been done, you can have it inspected and re-titled as a rebuilt title.
There are many places where you can find salvage title cars for sale. Here are some auto auctions to consider:
A Better Bid car auctions is an official Copart broker. You can register for free on their site and access over 300,000 vehicles for sale. Ranging from cars, trucks, SUVs,motorcycles and more. You will find salvage, repairable and wrecked vehicles that you can bid on at any time from anywhere. This auction is 100% online, and is open to the public. You can bid and buy from the comfort of your home.
Hemmings Motor News
Hemmings Motor News started in 1954 as a magazine for car collectors. Over the years, it has grown to include a website where collectors can buy and sell their vintage and customized automobiles. They are supporters of the collector-car hobby.
CarMax Auctions
CarMax Auctions are held weekly at various locations around the United States. Some areas have auctions run twice a week. They are not open to the public.
Charleston Auto Auction
The Charleston Auto Auction is an XLerate Group Auction and is located at Moncks Corner, SC. They have six auction lanes and offer dealers a suite of services like multi-list online selling and light mechanical work. They are not open to the public.
Other auto auctions to consider include Direct Auto, Cars & Bids, Barrett Jackson, Mecum, Capital, Manheim, and IAAI.
Conclusion
The easiest way to buy a salvage title vehicle is to do your due diligence before you head to the auction or drive onto a lot. Once you have determined that the car is worth it to you, then you can get busy getting it ready to drive.
