Car Inspections

Here's a Couple PROs and CONs of Buying a Rebuilt Title Car

Buying a rebuilt title car can be a risky decision, but it can also save you a lot of money. A rebuilt title car is a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company and then repaired by a licensed rebuilder.

Buying a rebuilt title car is advantageous as it offers newer or more expensive models at a fraction of the original cost and allows you to inspect the quality of repairs beforehand. For example, you may find a 2020 model with low mileage and advanced features for half the price of a new car. You can also check the vehicle history report, the repair receipts, and the inspection certificate to verify the condition of the car. 

Keep in mind, vehicle history reports like Carfax only offer a snapshot of a vehicle's service and accident history. The only way to get the complete picture is to have a qualified pre-purchase inspector review the document for inconsistencies, irregularities, and inspect the vehicle in person. It is unbelievable that Carfax receives most accident information from local municipalities instead of the actual collision repair facility.. 

In his three decades of collision repair facility management, Marty Ruth, Owner of Auto Appraisal Network-Detroit & Motor City Auto Appraisers, has seen vehicle history reports underestimate repairs by thousands of dollars and misrepresent the severity of the damages. 

The cons of buying a rebuilt title car are that you may face difficulties with financing, insurance, registration, and resale, and that you may not know the full extent of the damage or the safety of the vehicle. For instance, some lenders and insurers may not accept rebuilt title cars or may charge higher rates and premiums. Some states may have stricter requirements for registering and inspecting rebuilt title cars or may not allow them at all. Some buyers may be wary of buying a rebuilt title car or may offer a lower price. You may not tell if the car has hidden problems or defects that could compromise its performance or safety. That's why it's direly important to hire a qualified professional car inspector with years of collision repair experience who knows the difference between a quality proper repair and a dangerous, improper repair that can put you and your family in harm's way. 

Therefore, weigh the pros and cons carefully and do your research before buying a rebuilt title car.

Marty Ruth with Motor City Auto Appraisers, a company fueled by Auto Appraisal Network, has over 30 years of collision repair experience and is licensed by the State of Michigan in Unitized Body repairs. He saved clients from buying cars with unsafe repairs that could lead to catastrophic accidents.. 

Marty Ruth is Michigan's #1 qualified professional car inspector specializing in rebuilt title vehicles. The inspectors of a big national company use a checklist that doesn't cover important car repair procedures like welding, frame and body repairs, SRS part replacement, standard repair methodologies, and paint finishing..

Yes, you can buy a less expensive inspection report, but is it worth putting your family in jeopardy? Contact us today.