Can Salvage Cars Be Roadworthy Or Just A Headache?
Have you ever been in an accident and had your vehicle labeled as a salvage title? Or visited a used car lot or auction and was considering buying a salvage car? These cars are deemed by the insurance agency to no longer be road worthy and are either bought for parts or repair by an experienced technician and recertified as a driveable car. Typically this means that the damage to the car exceeds 75% the cost of buying it new. The major advantage is that the salvage vehicle costs a lot less than an equivalent used car. A skilled buyer can make the determination whether the salvage auto is worth saving or whether they will be buying someone else's problems.
Common sources of damage include run of the mill accidents to stolen vehicles to flooded vehicles. There could be structural damage to the frame or faulty transmission or a blown engine. The definition will vary depending on the insurance broker and varies among provinces. Even if the salvage car in question looks good cosmetically, it may be hiding critical weaknesses that may not stand against another collision. Air bag deployment is often a sign that the salvaged car has been in a serious accident. If this is the case with your vehicle, ensure that the salvage vehicle has new airbags installed.
A qualified inspection by a licenced car shop is your best bet to avoid potential pitfalls. It will be in your interest to choose your own mechanic to avoid a shop with which the seller has a vested interest in. These shops know the signs and can advise you how to proceed. If you have doubts, it may be wise to seek multiple appraisals.
It can be a tricky process, but patient buyers can find themselves with an amazing deal on their dream vehicle.