Buying repaired salvage cars for sale is much trickier than purchasing a brand new car. Before paying, it is recommended to have the vehicle checked by an expert in case there are any hidden problems. Although most countries have laws that prevent unscrupulous sellers from taking advantage of potential buyers, you can save yourself plenty of time by getting your salvage cars inspected prior to buying it.
What Should You Look For?
Some flaws are visible to any consumer, such as a scratched paint job or worn tires. However, other problems can be hidden from even an experienced driver, such as the integral soundness of the vehicle or the inner frame. Once damaged cars have been repaired and polished up, it is very difficult for most buyers to detect if there are any problems.
Ask First
Body and frame repairs can often cost more than a vehicle is worth. Additionally, improper repairs can leave used salvage cars structurally unsafe and may result in serious accidents. Always ask the seller if any repairs have been made on the vehicle, and if so, ask what parts were changed.
The Paint job
Look for paint primer or over spray near the engine compartment, trunk, or doorjambs. Spray marks are usually a sign of body repairs. Make sure the body panel gaps are equal and that the doors shut properly. If one of the doors or the trunk lid is a slightly different color than the rest of the vehicle, it is a sure sign that a repair was made, or that panel was replaced.
The “Salvage” Title
Is the vehicle officially labeled a “salvage” car. Salvage means that an expert has found that the cost to repair the vehicle will probably higher than its actual worth. This usually occurs after the vehicle has been through a serious accident or is very old. There are also cars which have very few problems but because of the low resell value of the car the insurance company will write them off as salvage, they are usually sold as salvage rebuildable cars. Not all salvage title cars are bad quality, but they need to be checked more thoroughly for problems.
Rebuilt Cars
Rebuilt cars are not salvage cars, and they need to be titled as such. Owners are required to specify what major component parts where change along with which vehicles the parts were taken from. If you want a vehicle that will last longer than a salvage car and are willing to pay extra, then a rebuilt car is a good choice.
