Can you trade in a car with a salvage title?
Let’s cut to the chase now: you have been driving the salvage rebuilt vehicle for a while, and you want to sell it. And you also have another question — whether you can trade in a car with a salvage title. Don’t worry we have an answer for you, and a detailed one. Shall we check that out?
Can You Trade in A Car With A Salvage Title — The Quick Answer
Yes, you can.
Since you have a salvage rebuilt vehicle with you — authorized to be driven — there is a 100% chance that you can sell the vehicle. However, where to sell it and things you may have to compromise.
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The Long Answer
While you can trade in a car with a salvage title, it’s not as simple as it sounds. You cannot simply rush to any random dealership and expect the people there to accept the salvaged car. On the other hand, there must be some homework if you need a good amount of the car. Before all that, convince yourself why you are selling the salvage rebuilt vehicle. Let’s tell you the hard truth.
If your car has become so pathetic that it can hardly be driven, it’s not a good decision to trade it in. For one, you are not going to get any amount for that. If you decide to dismantle the vehicle and sell the parts yourself, you may get an extra amount — especially given that you repaired some parts. On the other hand, if you’re saving for a new car while selling a moderate-condition vehicle, a trade-in makes sense.
So, whether you can trade in a salvage-titled car depends upon where you are trying to sell it and what you are expecting from it. The last time we checked, there are mainly two types of people among those who sell a car with a salvage rebuilt title.
- People who sell the salvage-titled car for some extra cash and to get rid of the old vehicle.
- People who expect a lot of money for their probably pathetic vehicle.
If you belong to the first category, there is hope. On the other hand, if you are expecting thousands of dollars’ discount on the new vehicle, it won’t be enough. Now that you know the scenario of trading in a car with a salvage title, we will take you through some steps and tips you should follow for the best and most profitable selling experience.
Check your Salvage Knowledge
Things to Know Before Trading in A Salvage Car
If you follow the things that we have listed below, you can have an easy and more profitable experience of selling a salvage vehicle. Most of the tips will also make sure that you are free from legal problems after the sale. Shall we check them out?
Buying a Salvage Title Car: Bargain or Nightmare?
Finding a Dealership that Accepts Salvage Cars
This is the thing: not all dealerships won’t let you trade in a salvage car. Of course, there may be some yards that accept the salvage-titled vehicle for the money. Those yards mostly use the vehicle for dumping or selling their parts. However, this is not the case when you want to use the salvage-titled car to pay for your next big vehicle. To find the best match, you will have to make a few calls for sure. You can consider driving a bit if a compatible one is unavailable in your locality. You love drives.
Transparency is Better
Here is one mistake that most people make: they manipulate the title to clear the Salvage title from it. This isn’t a good idea when planning to trade in a car with a salvage title. So, even before you make the offer, it is recommended to reveal that the vehicle is salvaged. This will help you in reducing the legal consequences that may happen if you lie. It will also make sure that both you and the dealership are benefited in one way or another.
Check Your Salvage Knowledge
Expect a Feasible Amount
Let’s face the truth before we begin. You will get a lower amount than you paid for the vehicle when trading in a salvage-titled vehicle. Since this is the case, you should have a reasonable expectation in mind. Don’t expect the dealership to cut down a huge amount from the total payment you need to buy the new car. So, it’s better if you can do some research and find the price trend of salvage vehicles before it is time to hit the dealership. Also, the price varies according to the dealer. Be ready for that too.
Check the Law
Every state in the United States of America has a somewhat different procedure for trading in or even selling a salvage rebuilt vehicle. Some might require you to visit the DMV and deal with the formalities. What we’d say is that you should go to the DMV page with proper care. That way, you will understand almost all the difficulties that may be lying ahead in the selling process. Also, you will have to talk to the dealership regarding the ownership aspects.
The tips will surely help you in the process.
Wrapping Up
Last but not least, you can consider other options for selling the vehicle too. If the salvage-rebuilt one is running smoothly, you still have the option to sell it privately. This way, you have a chance of getting some more money, especially if you can convince the buyer. But, here, too, you should not conceal the salvaged nature of the vehicle.
Also, Read, Can I insure a car with a salvage title?
