If you have been searching car auctions in Calgary and have considered purchasing a salvage car from one of these auto auctions, like A Better Bid, then you have some things to consider first. You may want to know what to look for when buying a salvage car and why that even matters, so we address that topic for you today.
What Is a Salvage Car?
A salvage car is a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, usually due to damage from an accident or natural disaster. These cars may be repaired and resold, but they must be labeled as salvage vehicles and may have certain restrictions on their use or resale value.
What Questions to Ask When Buying a Salvage Car?
When buying a salvage car, it is important to ask the following questions:
- What is the history of the vehicle? Has it been in any accidents or sustained any damage?
- What is the current condition of the vehicle? Has it been repaired and if so, what repairs were made?
- What is the current title status of the vehicle? Is it a salvage title or has it been rebuilt?
- Are there any outstanding liens or loans on the vehicle?
- Can you provide any documentation, such as service records or inspection reports, for the vehicle?
- Are there any issues with the car that the seller knows of?
- Are there any warranties or guarantees that come with the vehicle?
- Can you take the vehicle for a test drive?
- What is the price of the vehicle and is it negotiable?
- Can you provide a Carfax or AutoCheck report on the vehicle?
Asking these questions can help you better understand the condition and history of the vehicle, and make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase it during the car auctions in Calgary.
What to Look For When Buying a Salvage Car?
When buying a salvage car, it is important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage or issues, which isn’t always a possibility when dealing with online auto auctions. Some key things to look for include:
- Body damage: Look for dents, rust, and other signs of damage to the body of the car. Make sure to check for signs of previous repairs, such as mismatched paint or poorly done bodywork.
- Mechanical issues: Start the car and listen for any strange noises and/or check for warning lights on the dashboard. Take the car for a test drive and pay attention to how it handles and brakes.
- Salvage title: Make sure the car you are considering has a salvage title. or if it has been properly inspected and certified for road use, it is likely the vehicle has a rebuilt title.
- Odometer reading: Be sure to check the odometer reading and look for any signs that it may have been tampered with.
- Research the history of the car: Before buying, research the history of the car, including any accidents, flood or fire damage, and the number of previous owners.
It’s also important to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic or professional before making a purchase.
Is Buying Salvage Cars a Good Idea?
Buying salvage cars can be a good idea, but there can be some risks to it. Salvage cars are vehicles that have been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage from an accident, flood, fire, or other events. Because of this damage, they can be sold for significantly less than their market value; however, it’s important to thoroughly inspect a salvage car and have a mechanic look at it before purchasing, as the damage may be more extensive than it appears and costly to repair.
Overall, if you are willing to take the risk and are knowledgeable about cars, you can potentially get a good deal on a car from a salvage auction. If you are not familiar with cars and don’t want to risk it, it’s better to buy a car with a clean title.
How To Get A Rebuilt Title?
As we have mentioned, it is possible to purchase a salvage vehicle and get it repaired and ready for the road again. To do this, you would need to get it inspected and approved for a rebuilt title, which is issued by a province or state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a vehicle that has been damaged and repaired. The process for obtaining a rebuilt title varies by state, but generally involves the following steps:
- Obtain a vehicle history report to ensure the vehicle has no outstanding liens or issues that would prevent it from being rebuilt.
- Has the vehicle been inspected by the DMV or a licensed inspection facility to ensure that it has been repaired to meet safety standards and is roadworthy?
- Submit the required documentation, including the inspection report, proof of ownership, and any applicable fees, to the DMV.
- Once the DMV has processed the application and determined that the vehicle has been properly repaired, they will issue a rebuilt title.
It’s important to note that the laws, regulations, and processes may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you should check with your DMV for specific requirements and procedures.
There are many things to consider when buying a salvage car from an online auto auction, like A Better Bid, but that is the case when purchasing any vehicle. You need to do your research and have all your ducks in a row before making the purchase. By following the tips above, you should have a smooth process all the way around.