Beware! Buying a Rebuilt Title Vehicle! Things to know {Tips & Tricks*}

This video goes into a little detail on rebuilt titled vehicles and what to look out for when buying one! My wife’s grandmother gave me the good advice on googling the vin. Thanks phyllis!
DROP A COMMENT ON SOME GOOD TIPS / past experiences you may have had.

[@jasonmax5759]

My SUV was rear ended. I drove it another week after the accident and it was perfectly fine besides cosmetics. I drove it to a collision center for estimate and they said it would take $9,600 to fix the cosmetics, bumper, new lift gate etc.. My insurance company deemed it a total loss. We turned the car over to the insurance company and took a payout. I know my SUV will be sold at auction and rebuilt. Someone will get a good rebuilt SUV that is mechanically sound for much cheaper than retail. So i know there's good cars out there with rebuilt titles. Not all will have hidden issues.

[@Zacpactv]

To bad you couldn’t buy back! Anymore they go to Insurance auctions or copart. Very rare to find them in good shape once totaled usually something has been tweaked.

[@jdcohen7688]

You are the man! My vehicle popped up with all the images! Thank you so much, this was a very informative video.

[@Zacpactv]

welcome! thanks for feedback

[@plants4thewin]

Wow, YOU ARE THE BEST. I was looking at something for towing my camper. They said it was rebuilt and the car had been stolen. I did your trick and sure enough..images popped up of where you put the key in totally ripped out. So helpful. Thank you!

[@Zacpactv]

Hopefully it works out for you! Im glad to hear this video helped & Truly appreciate the feedback!

[@favortoupee3454]

​@@Zacpactvsir so whats the conclusion? Should i buy rebuilt? Im amateur

[@Zacpactv]

@@favortoupee3454 Do your research on the person selling. Be your own detective. You can find alot of clues at first glance. If you find damage or issues around the outside their are probably worse repairs hidden.

[@portagepete1]

If your vehicle was a flood it will say FLOOD on the title that means the water came up past the bottom of the doors. That should be avoided, but rebuilt means look the car over and test drive it.

[@Zacpactv]

Great info thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@chadmarrocco]

Should I avoid if the car was in a fresh water flood? Dealership selling says no water is in the lines and car does drive great. Thanks!

[@Zacpactv]

@@chadmarrocco I have not owned a flood title before but my personal opinion would vary depending on how deep the car was in the water and what components were in the water. Also the price point is a big deal. Electrical issues can be intermittent. Wires should be good but anything with circuit boards could be effected that don’t show up on the initial test drive.

[@thundrr907]

Thanks for the advice! You're right is real expensive these days, especially currently with car prices. Me and my Dad are gonna check out a rebuilt 2017 Honda Accord Sport with 30K miles for $13,500. Some guy from his work knows someone who rebuilds them. Seems like a really good deal, apparently it was hit on the side and had been sitting for about 3 years. This is gonna be my first car, I'll be sure to ask if they have any pictures of the damage. I'll try to get the vin and search it up. I honestly would always overlook salvage/rebuilt, but the fact that there can be some decent ones and take off some racks sounds really good.

[@Zacpactv]

Yes good luck to you 👍 my current truck had a bent rear axle shaft. Who knows if the the guy who put it back together knew or not but i took matters in my own hands. It was a rear axle and didn’t shimmy or shake. Actually turns out the wheel was bent and the shaft 🫤. I took matters into my own hands and posted a video on that as well. Another good tip would to be to check the wheels for any wobble while driving the only reason I knew was on the way back home my driver told me the wheel was wobbling.

[@bombardierbrisk8871]

I bought a 2010 mercedes c300 for 56k miles for $6000. It was a rebuilt got rear ended the sensors was messed and the bumper. I bought it, gave it to mercedes to test it, they said the rebuilt was perfect.

[@jesusromero8081]

Excellent video, thank you. Let's assume an example that I have a car that is rebuilt title and someone hits my car and that person's insurance declares a total loss. The market price of the car is 20k with a clean title. How would the insurance company calculate the check they have to give me?

[@Zacpactv]

Good question! Depending on insurer they typically use the 20%-40% rule and pull off kbb and similar sites for values. So they take that figure off of what it would cost without a rebuild title.

[@harryaldieny7697]

The only thing with buying a rebuilt title is it's going to be a pain in the rear and trying to sell it at end of your ownership

[@tylerwilson7536]

Wow I never knew this. Very informative video!

[@Zacpactv]

Thanks for the read! 🤜🏻

[@Eurospec73]

Thank you for the tip. I’m going to try it out.

[@75thteaster54]

Excellent video bro helped me a to.

[@Zacpactv]

Good to hear 👍

[@dennishall1933]

rebuild titles in michigan are orange stright titles are green

[@Zacpactv]

i did find this out recently! I have now owned both green and orange

[@vspitta954]

I’m glad you got it for $10,000 less

[@jesusromero8081]

How to know the value of a car if the title is rebuilt if the insurance declares it a total loss?

[@Zacpactv]

@@jesusromero8081 Its really comes down to what a person is willing to pay. 20-40% off of kbb is a good figure. But keep in mind the potential buyers gets cut down to needing financing. It is sometimes hard to get financing on a rebuild.

[@AnonyMous-yb7cp]

Thanks for the good info

[@Zacpactv]

Thank you !

[@itz.brandonlee8364]

Hey man love the info. Just curious does insurance do full coverage on a car if its rebuild title and if it was financed?

[@Zacpactv]

State farm does full coverage but I believe your car’s value will not reflect that of a non rebuilt. If you are in the market for a rebuild and looking to get a loan I would suggest calling around to banks that interest you until one gives you approval. Getting a loan on a rebuild is a process I have not been through. I recommend finding a rebuild you like and calling around to insurance agencies first to see what’s covered and cost. Then find a bank to loan.

[@royalblue8520]

Yes, but you’ll have to look around for a company that does it and they may charge you extra to cover a rebuilt tittle

[@royalblue8520]

@@Zacpactvbanks will not cover a rebuilt tittle

[@Zacpactv]

@@royalblue8520 got ya I wasn’t sure in this day and age, I knew long time ago that was the case. Insurance for me was surprisingly not much if any higher.

[@user-dp7rf8ex8q]

I’m looking at a fully loaded 2013 rebuilt ram 1500. No airbags went off, no frame damage. It was exactly like yours but on the passenger side. 90k miles. $14,000. What do you think?

[@Zacpactv]

Doesn’t sound bad! Research the rams and transmission issues for that year. I have the 8 speed transmission and get 20mpg 4x4 give or take. I recommend a hemi if going to do any hauling.

[@Febnixyonn]

Man, you are awesome!

[@Zacpactv]

Thank you for the support!

[@greenghost2008]

the jeep renegade I want to buy is a rebuilt. I saw the photos and it looks like the rear end crash tore some of the back body up and tore up one of the tires. I've bought from this dealership before and had almost no mechanical issues at all for the like three years I had it. Should I get it?

[@Zacpactv]

Did they do the repairs? Ask for a parts print out of all the parts / detail of what was repaired. If a body shop repaired it or in house they should have all that info. That will also give you an idea who did the body work.

[@greenghost2008]

@@Zacpactv thanks I just shot them an email. Last time I bought a car from them Mohamed showed me all crash photos and details. So there's that

[@Zacpactv]

@@greenghost2008 if the paint looks good with no major flaws odds are its not a bang up job. The bad ones you will see bumper gap/ bondo on things pink or green color. I would feel good about it if it goes down the road good and the paint is all solid.

[@brendanmacdonsld2macdonald48]

I was looking at a 2017 Ram 1500 Sport up here in Canada. There are 4 accident claims. 2018 front center for $32,000, 2019 front corner for $1200, and 2023 front center for $13,000. Honnestly I was amazed by its body condition, under neath was clean, drove nice. Ran the vin when I got home and said fuck no. I didnt know of its rebuilt title when i was there but looked it over pretty good didnt see much red flags. Also clean trucks like his (sublime green lower milage) go for $40,000 CAD range. I got him to $25,000 CAD. Dont know if i want to chance it though thats alot of money in claims

[@Zacpactv]

Thats a few front end wrecks 😂. Sublime green is cool i have to admit! Sounds like you got him down to half of what one cost with non rebuilt. Here in the states you must disclose it being a rebuilt. I have seen though people try to hide it.

[@keepitretrox]

What you think about buying a 2016 scion ia for 6,000-6,500?it had damage on the left back bumper and the back left side too.has 78,000 miles on it

[@Zacpactv]

With out seeing the car and guessing its put back together that doesn’t seem bad. I would Compare it in price to ones that are similar without a rebuilt. Doesn’t hurt to test drive a few so you know if something in the driveline is messed up!

[@PoorManAMG]

Do you suggest staying away from Scatpack/Hellcat’s with under 50k miles that are rebuilt title ?

[@Zacpactv]

its all a gamble unless you find a reputable rebuilder. I have always found some sort of issue with cosmetics, structure / wiring that was not put back 100%

[@PoorManAMG]

@@Zacpactvsounds good, appreciate the response! I have no clue about rebuilt/salvage title so I’m trying to educate myself.

[@Zacpactv]

@@PoorManAMG rebuilders by me turn them as fast as they can with cheapest parts / reuse damage parts. This truck in particular had the front headlight zip tied into place.

[@catsanddogs256]

I bought a salvage car just few days ago runs great and I found receipt that they paid 7000 to fix it I don’t know where it got hit at

[@Zacpactv]

Wow he had some $$$ in it! Did you type the vin # in google search engine?

[@i_love_theocean5674]

What if you can't find anything on the vehicle? I have a guy says his car was in a small fender bender? No reported accidents on carfax. Can't find anything

[@Zacpactv]

In all salvage/ rebuilt titles i have dealt with to receive a rebuilt title the wreck would of been reported for insurance purposes. Had it not been reported and fixed by ones self it would hold a clean title. What title type is it?

[@Zacpactv]

If it is a rebuild and the carfax shows no history and no data when you enter the vin # on google that would be a very rare case. You would want to use your best judgment/ have a mechanic look at it if you are not familiar with vehicles.

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

How is it holding up?

[@Zacpactv]

I drive it daily! I actually just bought a fresh wrecked ram from an insurance auction to rebuild myself so stay tuned!!

[@mirkk3679]

I see a rebuilt amg c43 for 25k the damage was the front left wheel. Damage wasn’t serious and engine wasn’t touched .. should I buy

[@Zacpactv]

Miles?

[@StatisticLocks]

My main concern is that i’m 18, I know my insurance may already be high . Will a company be willing to give an 18 year old a rebuilt title full coverage ?

[@Zacpactv]

Best thing to do is find a car your interested in and get the vin. Get vin and Research the photos online if ok with it call and get a quote before you buy. That will save all the guess work. But Yes insurance companies will offer full replacement cost of the vehicle at fair market value with rebuilt title. State farm is one that allows this.

[@greenghost2008]

My Kia Soul was a rebuilt and joyriders totaled it. State farm fully insured it and I can get a replacement. Not another Kia though.

[@stefanirivera1351]

is it hard to get insurance with a rebuilt title?

[@Zacpactv]

I have state farm and one of the agents there drives rebuilt titles. It use to be that way but has changed. the values are less but the rates i didn’t see any high prices. You can get full coverage through state farm.

[@nataliewheeler1436]

I just bought a rebuilt 2019 nissan altima. Overall pretty happy. There are a few things bugging me tho. But I saved a lot of money! Let's hope it holds up! Great video! Thanks!

[@Zacpactv]

@@nataliewheeler1436 hopefully you bought it a good price and it holds up! bondo cracks and falls out over time and can hurt values.

[@mrs.culberson3438]

Yes it is I just got a rebuilt vehicle I didn’t know until trying to get insurance and no one wants to insure it and then the ones that will want 700 dollars down and 400 to 500 a month

[@allen9818]

I’m from the state of New York and I’m planning on buying a rebuilt titled car from Pennsylvania. Do you have any tips and also what’s the process like? Considering it’s from a different state.

[@Zacpactv]

I have been burned several times going long distances to find out the pictures made the vehicle look way different. If going on a long distance trip you need to talk to the person over the phone. Usually you can get assurance before the trip from the seller and some will go into great detail so you know its what your seeing in the pictures. Ask about broken trim/ has it been smoked in. I sometimes make a list of questions so I don’t forget. The process very’s a little between dealer and private sale. Some dealers have to mail the title to you! Taxes also very between states. Some rebuilders use oem parts and some don’t if they use oem they should be pretty upfront with you. If they don’t use oem odds are they are buying the cheapest parts just to get it down the road and to pass the state inspection process for rebuilt titles. Just always remember rebuilds don’t hold the same value so use your best judgment!

[@Zacpactv]

If you can view previous customer reviews this will greatly help with your buying process! Some are put back so so and others like it never happened!

[@2ant1man5]

2011 Cadillac dts had the doors hit salvaged out, one door is a different color, but the car runs smooth no leaks anything what do you think.

[@connorjohnson3429]

It has a northstar in it, it won’t run smooth for long

[@2ant1man5]

@@connorjohnson3429 I passed lol once I checked it, I have a northstar now in my lucernce cxl 4.6, I think I am done after this car goes….

[@ryhcky]

Thanks for the video it has helped me a lot, i’m looking at a 2018 M3 it has front end damage only . engine and everything was kept but replaced with oem Bumper, fender, hood, and 2 side radiator coolers were replaced. And some small miscellaneous things. 48k miles , paying $500 for a PPI do you think that is good to buy ? or are there any issues I should look out for? thank you 🙏 also messaged on instagram with pictures

[@Zacpactv]

hello, Im not real familiar with that particular car but did you mention price? I would check for wheel wobble have someone follow you or tilt mirrors to back. I have found with rebuilds they throw the impact wheel back on to save money. OEM parts are a big plus. These non aftermarket parts just dont line up and are not the same. Look for bondo! Any body line that don’t compare to the other side. Leaks from something not getting hooked up right. Make sure the title is in rebuilt state and not salvaged still.

[@ryhcky]

@@Zacpactv that I would have to check as it also is in the state next to me so I can’t go see it in person right away, there was alignment done and all and the price we agreed to was 38,000. Says it runs mechanical fine and all so I guess i’m just concerned of the parts up front that were replaced

[@Zacpactv]

@@ryhcky I would compare it with non rebuilt to your best ability. Maybe if you haven’t test drove one drive one or two before buying rebuilt. If after market parts are used they will have barcodes with none bmw logos. Make sure its atleast 10k less than one without a rebuilt that is a good rule of thumb! It use to be half the value but that changes with bigger price tags i have found.

[@ahmadbaraka4515]

Man there is many salvage great cars i just bought one needed a minor fixes no major damage no frame damage and i safe a lot of money buy replacing some glasses and fiing the exhaust

[@Zacpactv]

Agreed, unfortunately some people cut corners so bad ones are out there!

[@phillipknight7311]

Great job

[@Zacpactv]

Thank you!

[@thatkidugly]

Yup a dealership salesman did not disclose the true history of the car I found out from other dealers that my car is a rebuilt car. Now I’m just in a pickle cause i never even wanted the car and I was going to trade in a year of having the car. I loss money and he gained money. Tried to get my refund back he did not want to give it back or at least some money back. I’m paying monthly for a rebuilt title car that I never liked in the beginning just got pressured to get the car.

[@Zacpactv]

All dealers who sell vehicles with salvage titles are bound by law to disclose the title to the buyer prior to the sale. It is important to note that the disclosure must be clear and obvious. They can't attempt to bury the title information in fine print or use vague, misleading language.

[@Zacpactv]

You can get all your money back, try harder!

[@angelguevara9157]

How’s the insurance on it? Do they need to know that it’s rebuilt or how does that work?

[@Zacpactv]

They should be able to see its rebuilt. Call insurance companies to get quotes before you buy!

[@SuperNova-..-]

Whats the insurance costing you?

[@Zacpactv]

57.00 a month i have plpd with comprehensive! So if its stolen I’m covered or say a tree fall on it. 50,000/100,000

[@bjornegan6421]

I have been seeing rebuilt title vehicles going for equal if not even more than some clean title cars. This isn't for all makes and models, but with older, low mileage things, and the very dishonest 'dealers' market the stuff as 'the new thing to do'.

[@Zacpactv]

I don’t doubt people have paid more especially if financing is available somehow.

[@ismaelpagan7269]

What about the other side of the?

[@Zacpactv]

The passenger side didn’t have any damage.

[@orzebiay3344]

Dud please

[@Zacpactv]

Anytime!!

[@samizdat113]

Why does everyone suck their teeth while speaking now? So annoying.

[@Zacpactv]

Good observation, maybe a millennial thing?? 😬

[@johnnynguyen9449]

Do you think I can text you on social media or email to get this car checked out for me?

[@Zacpactv]

yes instagram.com/zacpactv?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=