: Use a VIN Check Tool to see if the car was totaled multiple times or has a history of flood damage.
: If you plan to drive the car until it dies, the lower purchase price can be a steal.
: Some sellers use "rebuilt" titles to hide serious structural or flood damage. Sketchy shops may simply swap exterior panels to mask internal frame issues.
: A salvage-title car is generally worth 20% to 40% less than a comparable model with a clean title.
: Ensure the title is marked as "prior salvage" or "rebuilt." Beware of sellers trying to "wash" titles to make them look clean. Perspectives from the Community