5 Things to Keep in Mind When Considering Buying a Salvage Car

If you have decided that you can get more for your money and save by shopping for salvage cars for sale, then there are a few things you should take into consideration before you sign on the dotted line. Sometimes, there are car dealers that will take advantage of you by not disclosing information on the vehicle, but when you work with reputable auto auctions like A Better Bid (ABB) salvage car, you will find repairable cars for sale that really can save you money. As you search for salvage title cars for sale from online auction sites like A Better Bid (ABB) salvage auto auction keep the following tips in mind.

Things to Consider When Buying a Salvage Car

The Integrity of the Seller

There are many sellers who sell salvage cars and trucks to the public, and while most of them are very reputable, there are some that might take advantage of you.

Independent sellers usually sell their vehicles “as is, where is”, which means that it has no warranty. Unless you know the seller, you are taking your chances by buying a salvage vehicle from them.

Online auction sites will have a bigger selection of vehicles, and all vehicle listings will show the condition of the vehicle which gives buyers more information on problems or damages with the vehicle.

Car Photos Might Not Tell the Whole Story

When buying from photos, remember that photos may not tell all of the car’s story. It is advised that potential buyers visit the auction and see the car for themselves. That is a better way to determine what condition the vehicle is in and what repairs it may need.

If you feel the car is in worse condition than the photos revealed, then move on to the next car. There will always be another car that is right for you.

Do a Vehicle History Check

With a vehicle’s VIN in hand, you can get a vehicle history report. The vehicle history report should tell you what accidents that the vehicle has been in, as well as who the previous owner was and what repairs it has done to it.

For example, a damaged car that has been salvaged by the insurance company may have been meticulously maintained, so the engine and powertrain could be in excellent shape while the rest of the body may require repairs.

Get It Inspected

If you are unsure about the car, have someone you trust inspect it. A qualified mechanic should be able to tell you what condition the vehicle is in and what repairs it might need.

Salvage cars tend to need repairs that exceed their market value, so you can buy them at very low prices. Considering how much a new vehicle costs, it’s often cheaper for you to make repairs on a salvage vehicle.

Car Insurance

You cannot insure a salvage title vehicle, but once you have done the necessary repairs to it to get it street legal, you can ask for a rebuilt title, which allows you to register and drive the vehicle. But be prepared to shop around for the best insurance deal you can get on your car.

“Where to buy Salvage Cars?”

Now that you know what you should be considering when buying a salvage car, check out these salvage car auctions:

A Better Bid

A Better Bid is an online auto auction open to the public. They offer over 300,000 repairbale, salvage title and wrecked cars for sale. They are an authorized Copart broker, allowing their members direct access to vehicles that are normally available only to dealers.

Birmingham Auto Auction

The Birmingham Auto Auction is located in Hueytown, AL and offers live auctions every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. EST. The auctions are open to the public, and they have hundreds of vehicles to choose from like repossessions, wholesale inventory, and impounds.

San Antonio Auto Auction

The San Antonio Auto Auction is a family-owned and –operated auction that started in 2010. They are part of the W Walker Auction Group that serves the South Texas dealership community. They offer Government Surplus sales and weekly auto auctions.

Charleston Auto Auction

The Charleston Auto Auction is an XLerate Group of Businesses and is located in Moncks Corner, SC. They have six auction lanes and provide dealerships with a range of services that include multi-list online selling and simulcast auctions.

In addition to these auction sites, there are many others like IAAI, Direct Auto, Barrett Jackson, Mecum, Manheim, and more that sell used SUVs, motorcycles, trucks, and cars with salvage and wholesale titles.

Conclusion

No matter where you decide to buy your salvage car, you should be able to find the right car or truck that will suit your needs.