Avoiding a Bad Deal in Buying Salvage Cars
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. While the savings of buying a salvage car can be amazing, here are 3 simple tips from salvage car buyers that can keep you from having a bad deal.
Find an honest dealer
Many of the salvage cars sold online are from small, independent car dealers that work from their homes or work out of small body shops. These cars don’t come with warranties and can only be purchased with cash. So be cautious.
Learn the exact damage
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. 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.
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.
Whenever you need a salvage car buyers service in Grand Rapids, MI, turn to Rebuy Junk and Salvage Cars by Jim. For more information, call me at (616) 201-2979 today and book an appointment with one of my services!