Salvage Titles and Buying a Used Car in California
Before you jump at the chance of purchasing a used vehicle in California, one of the most important things to check is the vehicle’s title. The title documents a vehicle’s history including whether the vehicle has been salvaged, totaled, reconditioned, junked, damaged, a lemon law buyback, or rebuilt.
When a vehicle has a salvage title, it means that the car has been officially identified as a “total loss”, which can jeopardize financing for the vehicle and raise other potential problems. A salvaged car is one that was in an accident or sustained significant damage from another incident such as vandalism or a flood. A salvaged vehicle can also be a previously dismantled or junked car.
Even if the used vehicle you would like to purchase does not have a salvaged title, you may still want to check for any signs of a salvage history. A few things to check include whether there are indications of considerable repairs on inner fender components; airbag covers inaccurately installed or resealed; rust, mold, or mud under the carpet in the trunk; Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate connected with objects other than rivets; and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) labels that are missing and instead on doors, inside hood, hatchback, or tailgate.
One of the most common types of used-car fraud occurs when a seller or dealer fails to disclose that a vehicle has a salvage title. While all dealerships and sellers are legally obligated to disclose a vehicle’s salvage title and history, the law is more difficult to enforce than most consumers realize. If you believe that the seller or dealer who sold you your used car did not reveal its true vehicle history, get in touch with Howard D. Silver. As a skilled California used car fraud lawyer, Mr. Silver can examine the circumstances surrounding your situation and help you decide on the best course of action. Call 1-866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.
