1. Safety First. If you decide to purchase a reconditioned or reconstructed vehicle, find out the nature of the impact that led to it being totaled. Was it a cosmetic dent or scratch over several parts or a severe impact that compromised the structure’s integrity? Did the airbags deploy? Was the frame bent, or did the suspension or braking system receive damage? These are all questions you should answer before you buy. I’ve seen fantastic body mechanics pull the imploded parts out and make them look brand new with Bondo, sandpaper, and paint. But the interior, the part that keeps passengers safe, went untouched. Scary!
A second impact, especially in the same zone as the first, could cause serious injury to the passengers. The engineering to create the crumple zones has already performed its magic and cannot be repaired. Covered up? Yes. Repaired? No. What is your safety worth?
2. Resale Value. Make sure you know the history of a car before you buy it. If you unknowingly pay full price for a branded title car, you won’t be able to sell it for much unless you find another unsuspecting buyer.
3. Insurance Rates. Auto insurance companies charge a lot more for reconstructed vehicles—sometimes double or triple. If you buy full coverage on a totaled auto, the company would only have to pay its actual, depreciated value, not the market price of an undamaged model. Some insurers will not cover reconstructed cars, period.
If you want to know if a car has a reconstructed title before you commit to buying it, please call or text us the vehicle identification number (VIN). We’ll be happy to check prices on the car and tell you if the vehicle comes back as branded.