Salvage Part Cars
A salvage vehicle with a title is something you might see described as a parts car or truck. That is because it comes with parts that you can use on other models. Though the one you buy may not drive, there are things to consider when buying.
What is a salvage car?
A salvage car is a vehicle with a title that has salvage on it from a major insurance company. These vehicles are those that insurers write off as a total loss. When someone goes through an accident, the insurer will look at the value of the vehicle compared to the cost to fix it. If the cost to fix it is higher, the auto is a loss. These models are usually repairable though with some time and effort. Most come with a title that makes it clear the vehicle was in an accident and is a salvage model.
How to buy salvage autos
Even if you know what a salvage vehicle is and the type you want, you may still need some help. These models come from different manufacturers, but no two are exactly the same. That is why it is important that you look at some key things when selecting one.
- Extent of damage: Check the extent of the damage, including damage to the body and any parts. You may find that you can use those parts on a similar model you already own to make some necessary repairs. Others may have a good engine that still runs but body damage that you need to fix.
- Performance: Looking at the performance tells you what parts come in that vehicle and whether it runs. One that still runs will require less work on your part.
- History: You may want to look at the history to find out who owned it in the past. This tells you how often past owners drove the car and how much wear and tear they put on parts. You can also find out whether the vehicle survived a flood or any other natural disaster.
Can you search for recent models?
Salvage titles are available for models from top manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford. You will also find cars produced by Plymouth, Toyota, Dodge, and Nissan. Even BMW and Cadillac are available. You have the option of searching for vehicles made in a select year or a range of years. Salvage models can include classic muscle cars from the 1960s, sports models from the 1950s, and even pickup trucks. Vehicles made in more recent years are also available.
Do salvage vehicles come complete?
A vehicle with a salvage title may not come complete with everything that you need. Even if it is in repairable condition, you will likely need to buy some parts to fix the damage. Those that are in a driveable state might lack some basic parts like seat belts or doors. A parts vehicle is one that does not run, or runs poorly and has significant damage. These vehicles provide you with some to all of the parts that you need to make repairs to another car.