by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 04/17/2017 at 09:21
by "mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin)
Published 04/17/2017 at 09:21
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STARS: 0
There’s a ‘98 Land Cruiser on my local Craigslist for a ridiculously low price. 260k miles, needs seat covers, a couple small rust spots, and a rebuilt title. Would you buy a rebuilt title vehicle?
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
04/17/2017 at 09:25, STARS: 1
Why was it rebuilt and how long ago? It’s a Land Cruiser, so if it’s been on the road recently, I’d assume it will stay on the road for a while.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
04/17/2017 at 09:27, STARS: 2
I used to be a huge proponent of “avoid rebuilt/salvage” titles at all costs. But I have realized that I never intend to sell a car and would rather drive it until scrapped anyways. So resale value is really the only concern that could end badly for you. Of course a more thorough inspection is in order to make sure the frame is not being held together by duct tape and bamboo. But it should give you a great bargaining position really.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
04/17/2017 at 09:29, STARS: 0
Would I! Yes. Would I for this car? No. Rebuild titles on cars that are worth something car be good deals... On POS, I wouldn’t simply because repairs aren’t worth it on those, unless you do a shit job for 2.5 bucks.
"Alfalfa" (alfalfa-romeo)
04/17/2017 at 09:30, STARS: 3
In short, yes I would. Cars can be totalled by insurance for silly reasons, a rebuilt title doesn’t necessarily make it a time bomb. I would be a little pickier on the condition, bring more mindful of drivetrain and frame damage of course. Getting it insured can be more difficult, but shouldn’t be too bad if you’re of what the insurance deems is the more accountable age and it’s not a “sporty” car.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
04/17/2017 at 09:30, STARS: 1
I used to buy salvage title cars, fix them and flip them. For me it was all about having the documentation. When I went to sell them I was very upfront and showed pictures of the car prior and during the rebuild process. I wanted the person getting the car to feel comfortable with it.
The flip to that is the shadier side, which I got in to with the TSX I purchased. It was “rebuilt” being sold on craigslist and I only saw crappy auction pictures of the before and no in process pics. There were a lot of skipped steps and cheap short cuts taken the more I got in to it.
I think like any used car purchase, you just need to do your research upfront.
"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
04/17/2017 at 09:31, STARS: 0
It depends on two things? Does the repair look like it was done well, or does it look like it was slapped together.
And how much cheaper is it. It should be at least a 30% discount
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
04/17/2017 at 09:31, STARS: 0
interesting point! I’ve never had issues insuring a rebuilt title car. Possible state to state difference there?
"Alfalfa" (alfalfa-romeo)
04/17/2017 at 09:33, STARS: 0
Possibly. It’s only what I’ve heard, perhaps it is just rumor.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
04/17/2017 at 09:33, STARS: 0
go for it.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
04/17/2017 at 09:35, STARS: 0
TN is VERY lax about what is considered rebuilt so the more I’m thinking about it the more I’m surprised I haven’t had issues.
"interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
04/17/2017 at 09:36, STARS: 0
I would and I have, for a project car.
"gin-san - shitpost specialist" (gin-san-)
04/17/2017 at 09:48, STARS: 0
Very true; given that it’s a 1998 vehicle it wouldn’t take much damage for them to write it off since they’d probably pay out a low amount for a write-off anyway.
Insurance depends on jurisdiction and probably more dependent on the company - I know the insurer I’m with will ask for a more detailed safety inspection in Ontario, something that inspects the frame/structure closely but if it passes then it’s insurable just like any other car.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
04/17/2017 at 09:54, STARS: 0
As others have noted, cars get “totaled” for stupid reasons and end up with a salvage title. My Saab was written off because it needed a new bumper after I was rear ended. I’ve seen early 2000's convertibles written off because the top got slashed. Stuff like that.
Selling a salvage title car is hard, because people know that selling a salvage titled car is hard... not sure that makes sense but go with it. Essentially the unknowns tend to freak people out. That said, you can usually pick up a salvaged car on the cheap because of this. If, as you said, the seller can do a good job explaining what happened to the car and why the vehicle is totally fine, then you’re probably fine. Just keep in mind this car will always be less valuable than its “clean” counterparts.
But to answer the question: No, I wouldn’t. Even if my intent was to drive the wheels off the thing, this inherent flaw with the car would always bug me... But then again I’m weird.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
04/17/2017 at 10:01, STARS: 0
hell ya! especially for a Toyota LAND CRUISER, plus it could’ve happened in 2001 and its been running around this long.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/17/2017 at 10:03, STARS: 0
DD: no
Project: yes
"E92M3" (E46M3)
04/17/2017 at 10:09, STARS: 0
Really just depends on the car. On a car like this... a front bumper, hood and fender would deem it salvaged by insurance. A home mechanic could source the parts, and literally bolt them on to repair it. If it was a $12k car that someone welded a structural part of the car to repair, no way in hell.
For $2500 what do you have to lose?
"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech)
04/17/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0
Hell no. I see rebuilt and salvage title vehicles on a daily basis. 99/100 were done poorly and still have:
A. Components still damaged from prior to repair
B. Water leaks from poor metal work and seam sealing
C. Missing fasteners
D. Missing brackets and hold-downs
E. Incorrectly routed wires/lines/hoses
F. Chafing wires/lines/hoses
G. Shit body/paint work
H. Sub-par replacement parts
I. Various non-functional systems due to any of the above
J. Subframes, steering, and suspension components that are just slightly bent and make a proper alignment impossible without spending big bucks
K. Slightly corroded electrical connections from sitting open in the rain waiting to be repaired, these often cause problems months/years after the repair
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
04/17/2017 at 10:29, STARS: 0
That would be the key, seeing the before and during photos would be a great asset to have when it comes time to sell.
Also try to check all the electrical systems and buttons you can when looking at a purchase.
One salvage vehicle my parents bought for my sister had a fault in the starter circuit that would blow the fuse once every 10 starts or so. We lacked the ability at the time to diagnose it properly, so we carried extra fuses until we resold it. Another was a college friend that bought a rebuilt vehicle and most everything else on the car was good except the dash lights wouldn’t work. Had to carry a flashlight to drive at night. Again, back before any of us had the expertise to diagnose and repair properly.
"Shift24" (the-nope)
04/17/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 0
Own one and will probably own another. Some cars will be totaled just because the air bag went off. But let’s assume not and it has been rebuilt, ask for the paperwork and see where it’s been redone and research the company. Reputable company, buy it. Quick slick, walk away
"JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!" (jqj213)
04/17/2017 at 13:40, STARS: 0
Depends on what you plan to do with it.
I’d never touch anything newer that I really need to drive and rely on with a rebuilt title. If it’s a dirt cheap beater that idgaf what happens to it, a rebuilt title might be fine.
Insurance can be a bitch with them. Some things might not work properly. Reselling is a bitch.