10 Tips for Buying a Salvage Auto

junkyard lot
There are a lot of things to consider when you're in the market for a salvaged car, not just the damage the car has suffered. Fotosearch/Getty Images

A car is considered totaled when the cost of repairs is greater than the car is worth. When these totaled cars are purchased, fixed and put back on the road, they get a salvage title. Think about that for a second. In order for a car to be termed "salvage," the cost of repairs has to outweigh the car's value, and the title is branded as such to let future buyers know that this car has a significant history [source: O'Connell]. So when all is said and done, a buyer shouldn't expect to get a perfect car for 40 percent off the price. The numbers just don't add up.

However, the dreaded salvage title does mean that the price of a salvaged car might, in fact, drop below what it's really worth. So if you're in the market for a salvaged car, you have to consider the price as sweat equity — you put in the work of finding, troubleshooting, insuring and likely fixing a salvage auto, and you paid for the work in the form of savings on the sticker price off a regular car.

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It's a teeter-totter, with your time, money and effort on one side and the car on the other. Which way does the teeter-totter tip? If the car's value outweighs all the stuff you have to put into it, it's a good deal in the long run; however, if the headache, cost and time outweigh the car, it's a bad deal.

Here are 10 tips that may help tilt the teeter-totter in favor of a purchase.

10: Learn the Exact Damage

woman and man inspecting car
You definitely want to avoid different types of damage when researching salvaged cars, most notably flood and fire damage. Zero Creatives/Getty Images

By far the most common reason for a car or truck to get labeled "salvage" is involvement in a crash. But in some states, flood and fire damage are also listed as salvage [source: CARFAX]. And these flood and fire salvages are tricky — things that seem to be working can and do fail, and it's hard to predict what, exactly, needs to be done to bring these flood and fire cars into reasonably reliable condition. The gist: Buyer beware of cars or trucks salvaged due to fire or water damage.

Similarly, there's "good" and "bad" crash damage. The rule of thumb is to stick with body damage, or at the most, damage to the working parts. Stay away from bent frames, which, no matter how good a car looks after the repair is complete, can be a one-way ticket to a headache and can seriously compromise the car's safety, even after repairs have been completed [source: Gorzelany].

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9: The Purchase Details

Some of the things you'll want to consider when looking at a salvage car are insurance, warranty, financing, registration, claims and resale.

  • Insurance: Insuring a salvage car varies by state and by insurer, but you should expect to get at least liability insurance in most states from most companies.
  • Warranty: Don't count on it. In fact, you can almost be sure there will be no warranty offered on a salvage auto. Ask, though — some salvage dealers may offer some warranties.
  • Financing: Again, don't count on it. Most salvage buyers pay cash.
  • Registration: This varies by state. In some states, a police officer must inspect a salvage-title car before it can be registered and driven. In others, a repair shop certification is required for licensing. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for details.
  • Claims: So you've wrecked your salvaged car? Good thing you found an insurance company that offers comprehensive. Still, don't expect them to pay more than 80 percent of the car's listed value. For this reason, many owners of salvage cars choose not to pay for insurance outside their state's required minimums.
  • Resale: Once a salvage title, always a salvage title, even if you pay for repairs that restore the auto to 100 percent of its working condition. You shouldn't expect to resell your salvage auto for big bucks.

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8: Do the Math and Trust Your Senses

Review: Why does an insurance company stick the title "salvage" on a car? Because the cost of repair exceeds the value of the vehicle. So imagine the damage that would have to take place in order to make a new $50,000 car not worth repairing. That's a serious crash, and it's likely you don't want a car that's been hit that hard.

Now imagine an older car. It might only take a fender bender to total a car with a Kelley Blue Book (KBB) value of $5,000. These reliable older cars are generally the best salvage buys.

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This should help you evaluate a dealer's description of damage compared to the price of a car. If you come across a salvage dealer claiming minimal damage on a new car, your spidey senses should start tingling. Just like anywhere, a deal that seems too good to be true probably is.

7: Is the Price Right?

wrecked cars
The price of a salvaged car involves knowing the damage, as well as how much it will cost you in the long run for repairs. simonkr/Getty Images

The rule of thumb is that a fully reconstructed salvage car is worth roughly 60 percent of a car of the same make, model and year with a clean title. So when buying a reconstructed car, start with the Kelley Blue Book or National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) value and multiply by 0.6. Is the asking price higher or lower? If lower, it's a good deal.

But this formula takes for granted that all the damage has been repaired, and this very well might not be the case. If you're buying a salvage car that hasn't yet been repaired — or a car that's been repaired, but not to 100 percent of its full condition — deduct the predicted cost of these repairs from the 0.6-times-the-Kelley Blue Book value.

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6: Pre-purchase Inspection

Having a used car inspected by a reputable repair shop — without ties to the dealership — is a very good idea. Having a salvage auto inspected before you buy is absolutely indispensable. Don't consider buying without it.

In addition to offering peace of mind when buying a salvage car that's already been reconstructed, an inspection can tell you exactly how much you'll be putting into repairs on a car that still needs to be rebuilt. If possible, have the inspection done at the body shop you plan to use for repairs so you'll be on the same page.

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Finally, a pre-purchase inspection can pay for itself. What dealer comprehensively lists each and every wear, tear, leak, ding, dent and question mark? After your inspection, use the findings to ask the dealer for an additional reduction in price.

5: Post-purchase Inspection

mechanics inspecting car
Pre- and post-purchase inspections are critical when you're in the market for a salvaged auto. FG Trade/Getty Images

As you can imagine, you can't buy a salvage auto, strap it together with duct tape and drive off down the freeway. Decaying, decrepit and damaged cars are a danger not only to their drivers, but also to everyone else on the road. For this reason, you'll have to jump through the hoop of a rebuilt auto inspection before you can license your salvage auto.

Depending on your state, inspection must either be by any licensed body shop, a body shop specifically licensed to inspect rebuilt autos or a police officer. Most states also require a specific addition to the registration paperwork, detailing the damage and repairs. And some states have an entirely separate office for licensing rebuilt autos. Again, check your state's specific requirements: Here are links to the 50 state DMVs.

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4: Repair Yourself vs. Buy Refurbished

There are two conditions in which you can buy a salvage auto: repaired or in need of repair. Obviously, the first is easier — the work is already done, and a salvage auto dealer might have done some of the inspection and licensing legwork for you. If you buy a repaired salvage auto, you might be able to drive it out of the showroom.

However, buying a wrecked car allows you to monitor the repairs yourself. First and foremost, you can ensure that all repairs are done to your standards. Second, the cost-conscious buyer can choose which repairs to have completed and which quirks they're willing to live with. You don't care if the back power window doesn't work? Just pocket the cost of the repair.

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Again, buying a salvage auto is sweat equity — the more work you're willing and able to do yourself, the more money you'll save.

3: Theft Recovery Salvage

Bingo! This can be the golden ticket designation for a salvage auto. Basically, if a stolen car isn't recovered within three weeks — or in some cases, 30 days — the insurance company pays the original owner and writes the stolen car off as a total loss. If the car is found after that, it gets a salvage title — and it might not have any damage at all.

Then again, it might. And dealers aren't stupid — they expect to sell autos salvaged due to theft recovery at higher prices than a car salvaged due to damage.

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Like any used car, and especially a used salvage car, be sure to have a theft recovery vehicle inspected by a reputable repair shop prior to purchase — it may have unseen damage.

2: Get the Facts

The CARFAX, that is. So you've had the salvage auto inspected by a qualified repair shop — still, the inspection might not tell you anything about the car's past history as a wretched lemon. In addition to going on a thorough hunt for current damage, make sure you look into the car's past.

As a first step, consider a free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check at the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This will show you if a car has a salvage title, or if the car has been reported as stolen (but not recovered). You can usually find a car's VIN on the driver's side interior dash, where it can be seen through the windshield. The VIN is often stamped in other areas of the car, such as in the doorframe or in the engine bay, but you may not have access to these areas on a car you are trying to buy.

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1: Where to Buy

You know the stereotype of used car dealers as snake-oil salesmen looking to foist lemons on unsuspecting buyers? Well, it's only sometimes true. But you should be doubly cautious when choosing where to buy your salvage auto. If you know a reputable local dealer, preferably whose kids are in Boy Scouts with your kids, great. If not, things get a little gray.

The bottom line? Make sure you check out both the salvage dealer and the specific car before you consider buying. Start by checking the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

If you bid on a salvage auto at one of the many online clearinghouses, be sure you don't skimp on the evaluation just because you're doing it at a distance. Keep your head in charge of your heart, and take it slow.

For more great information, check out the links below.

Buy Salvage Car FAQ

Is it worth buying a car with a salvage title?
Salvage cars have advantages and disadvantages. They can be very cheap and budget-friendly to purchase, and they often cost far less than their value. However, salvage cars can also have extensive damage. Regardless of the condition, you're likely going to have to pay to have repairs and other work performed when you opt for a salvage title vehicle.
Where can I buy a salvage title car?
Local salvage car auctions and registered owners of vehicles with salvage titles are the best places to find these vehicles for sale. You can look online, too, to see who's selling salvage vehicles in your area.
Is it more expensive to insure a salvage title?
It can be difficult — and more expensive — to get insurance coverage for a vehicle with a salvage title. This varies by insurer and can depend on just how damaged the vehicle is.
What is the issue with a salvage title?
When a vehicle has a salvage title, that indicates that the car has been damaged and classified as a "total loss" by the insurance company. Typically, this means the vehicle was in a significant accident, and that purchasing and repairing the vehicle may be more expensive than it's actually worth.
Is it worth repairing a salvage car?
This depends. When a vehicle carries a salvage title, it means an insurance company deemed it not worth repairing; the repairs were expected to cost more than the value of the vehicle. However, if you can get a salvage car for a very low price, it may be worth repairing and restoring.

Lots More Information

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More Great Links

  • Better Business Bureau. "Visit the BBB Nearest You." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.bbb.org/
  • CarsDirect. "Salvage Title Vehicle Risks And Rewards." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.carsdirect.com/used-car-buying/salvage-title-vehicle-risks-and-rewards
  • CARFAX. "Flooded Cars." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.carfax.com/car_buying/flood_damage_cars.cfx
  • DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles. "Search DMV by State." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com/
  • Gorzelany, Jim."Structural Damage and Car Frame Damage." CARFAX. September 14, 2018. (September 20, 2018) https://www.carfax.com/blog/structural-damage-101
  • Kelley Blue Book. "Get Your Used Car Price." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/
  • NADA Guides. "New, CPO and Used Car Prices." (Sept. 20, 2018) http://www.nadaguides.com/?gclid=CNfi6_mBqakCFYTr7Qod3B4vMQ
  • National Insurance Crime Bureau. "VINCheck." (Sept. 20, 2018) https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck
  • O'Connell, Brian. "What Is a Salvage Title Car and Should I Buy One?" Experian. March 21, 2018. (September 20, 2018) https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-salvage-title-car-and-should-i-buy-one/

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