should vehicles with a reconditioned title be avoided?

[IlllI]

never heard of it before until today. the vehicle itself seems to have been repaired. is getting a car like that too risky? something tells me it might be more trouble than its worth

 

[NutBucket]

First you don't know the severity of the damage or the quality of the repair. Secondly, it won't be worth anything when you want to sell it.

 

[natto fire]

Yeah, it all depends on what happened to it. I got a rebuilt salvage title on my car. It was hit in the fron very light. All I had to do was put a front bumper and left fender on it and it was good to go. If it is an older car, keep in mind that insurance companies will total them even if there is very little damage. You could talk to the guy selling it to find out if he is a sleaze-ball, or will be upfront and honest about why the car was totalled, what repairs he/she did etc.

 

[VirginiaDonkey]

just remember, at one time that car was considered a total loss.

 

[Nikamichi]

Just say NO.

 

[wheresmybacon]

I wouldn't touch a vehicle with a reconditioned title...even with my credit. It's a gamble and you have no recourse if you get screwed.

 

[FoBoT]

why take a chance? you can surely find a normal/not smashed up car

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
First you don't know the severity of the damage or the quality of the repair. Secondly, it won't be worth anything when you want to sell it.

While this is true, flip side is, the cost of buying it is almost always below/well below book/market value for it.

I see a lot of 2-3 year old cars on craigslist with rebuilt titles. All in good cosmetic condition, for $3-5k less than a clear title vehicle of the same make/model/year.

But, as someone said, definitely get as much info as you can. Receipts, records, etc etc. And yes, the character of the seller is a big indicator. Also be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they will even insure the vehicle.

An good example of when you can end up on top is this. When I worked at an auto insurance co, I saw several cars come thru where they were stolen, and the seats and wheels were stripped. After 30 days or so, it was marked a total loss. Later to be recovered, in perfect mechanical condition. New seats, new wheels, perfect car, but rebuilt title due to the insurance determination of a total loss.

So, if you're willing to take the time, you can get a good car for cheap(er). But if you don't/aren't willing to do so, don't bother and keep looking.

 

[xrax]

There were a lot of cars that were under water in New Orleans. Water damage is the worst.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Just get it checked out. With older cars you can almost scratch the fender and have it considered totaled. My 89 mustang has a rebuilt title and it doesn't bother me. It will be harder to sell since there are people, like a few in this thread, that just flat out won't buy a car with one even if they are a good bit cheaper.

 

[Pepsei]

Originally posted by: xrax
There were a lot of cars that were under water in New Orleans. Water damage is the worst.

explain... i heard people are scamming in california.... i'd like to know why water damage is the worst.

rust?

 

[jlee]

If you don't ever plan on reselling, and can have it checked by a good mechanic..and get a good deal..I don't see why not.

 

[xrax]

Originally posted by: Pepsei

Originally posted by: xrax
There were a lot of cars that were under water in New Orleans. Water damage is the worst.

explain... i heard people are scamming in california.... i'd like to know why water damage is the worst.

rust?

Electrical..easily hidden until you have to rewire the car.

 

[dethman]

avoid it like the plague.

 

[funboy6942]

It all comes down to who rebuilt the car. Some guy in his back yard stay the f away. A reputable shop I wont have a problem with it. Def have it checked out by another body shop not mechanic. The body shop will have a better idea on how well it was put back together since they probably do the same on the side.
Reselling it can be a problem for the ones that run away fast who hear rebuilt but like I said if done right there shouldnt be a problem and if done right will be as good as new.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Nikamichi
Just say NO.

Wrecked, and rebuilt.

No thanks.

 

[imported_Condor]

With Katrina vehicles hitting the market, I would be cautious. Often the first thing to go is the on board processor. Those are costly. If they got salt water, then rust is bound to happen. The rebuilders are moving them up north because they don't sell for as much in the south, if at all.