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Salvage/Rebuilt

F

Fordwerke

CEG'er
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
157
Location
Bay Harbor Islands, FL
I’m looking for a car, and would like to get a Contique again. I had in 03-04 a Contour, which was a salvage/rebuilt. I got it cheap, yet it was spotlessly clean, and an excellent ride with which I made quite extensive road trips. It would be great, if I could get another such dependable Contour again.
I came over another salvage/rebuilt, and it is quite interesting. It looks neat, yet I don’t know if I’ll be lucky again, and have a dependable rebuilt car as I had earlier.
What should I look for, when taking a closer look at a car, which is a rebuilt?


If you wanna take a look at the carfax,
http://www.carfax.com/viewEmailReport.do?a=RQ8LoPX5JzEjcmQhh%2BEvqbHd%2Bv88CJr9X3k3t6FK%2BjtOBox%2FuRsiB9bDgDaCTSi3&language=EN
 
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I would say you need to inspect the car and see how it is .... but personally I wouldn't buy a salvage title car ....
 
Salvage title and "salvage rebuilt" is considerably different. The salvage rebuilt title means that it was inspected by a state official for safety and emissions. My car is a "salvage rebuilt" and it has been the best and only car I have owned this long. I would buy a "salvage rebuilt" anytime. I would generally figure for 75% value to offer because of the title.
 
i agree with mr. fuz, they are very different titles. i know in ny it has to past a pretty tough test to get a salvage rebuilt title. all damaged parts have to be replaced by oem parts and proof or purchase needs to be provided for everything replaced.
 
So long as the work is done right and the car is returned to OEM specs, I see no problem with it. Have it inspected and look closely at everything in the repaired area. Have the frame checked to make sure it is squared and any structural damaged areas checked as well.

Mine will probably have a salvage title when I get it back on the road.
 
95pgt-t said:
i agree with mr. fuz, they are very different titles. i know in ny it has to past a pretty tough test to get a salvage rebuilt title. all damaged parts have to be replaced by oem parts and proof or purchase needs to be provided for everything replaced.
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You are correct. Find out what was damaged IE: (structural, frame, air bags, cosmetic, etc..) Mine was all cosmetic so to have a salvage rebuilt title on my car is not fair to compare the same title to another car that had frame damage or anything that major.... Check it out, you could get a killer deal... good luck
 
I stumbled over this rebuilt by chance, and I agree with blu_fuz; my former rebuilt Contour was excellent.
Since I don't know how to check for damages to the frame or structure of the car, and don't know any mechanics down here in Miami, I don't know where to take the car to get it checked, which is apposite for a rebuilt. Can you folks recommend me a 'chain,' where I could get the car checked?
 
I would say to take it to a mechanic and a body shop. Let them know you are looking to buy this car and it has a bum title. Give them some direction as to where the damage was if you know. The body shop will look for overspray, paint defects, paint masking lines, body gaps, etc.. The mechanic will look for any "tweeked" parts that would be visible by eye only. Another good thing to do is have an allignment place put the car up and check for allignment, if it doesn't allign, it probably had a front end hit on a wheel or suspension component. Good luck and just try the body shop and mechanics first.
 
I am in a similar situation with my car right now. Mine was declared totaled today, however, if I buy it back from the insurance company, which I intend to do once all that gets finalized, I am not sure whether I am going to fix it or not. Because I buy it back, the title is going to be salvaged, but I only have cosmetic damage to the bumper, tail lights, and trunk, there is no real structural damage to the frame or anything like that. I plan to keep all the records of the repairs, if I get it fixed, and have that for proof for whoever ends up buying the car eventually. Personally, I would be more than willing to buy a salvaged car, after test driving it and having it inspected by a mechanic or two, but that's just my opinion.
 
I've heard that it drops the value by 50%, but lots of times they can be salvaged out for minor accidents. As long as it was a part that could be taken off and a new one bolted on, I don't see a problem with it.
 
my cougar was totalled. i bought it back. i have the title, taking pictures of the rebuild, keeping all receipts and will have a rebuilt title on mine. i heard Tn has one of the strickest inspections, i am looking foward to the inspection.
 
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