How to Buy a Rebuilt Car Safely

Big purchases come with big risks. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and avoid scams. When it comes to buying a used or rebuilt car, here are some helpful tips to stay safe and make the best decisions possible:

1. Run a VIN Report

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a key to understanding a car’s history. Obtain a comprehensive history report for the vehicle to make sure you get the full picture of each car you are interested in. Services like Carfax, Bumper, or AutoCheck can reveal prior accidents, ownership history, and other key details. 

NOTE: ReVroom strongly advises against the use of EpicVin for accessing vehicle history reports. Other providers approved by the NMVTIS are better options. 

2. Ensure No Frame Damage

Structural integrity is crucial. If a vehicle’s frame was damaged, verify that it was professionally repaired and cleared by inspections. This is non-negotiable for safety and can be verified by taking a vehicle to a trusted mechanic and inspecting the vehicle frame from all angles, including the undercarriage. In general, ReVroom advises against purchasing frame damaged vehicles, even when repaired.

3. Verify Airbag Replacement

If airbags were deployed, confirm they were replaced with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Airbags are critical to safety, and aftermarket substitutes may not meet safety standards. Look for the “SRS” logo near your airbags, and check for manufacturer markings, logos, and part numbers. 

4. Have the Vehicle Inspected by a Third Party

Even though rebuilt cars must pass a DMV inspection to be retitled from “salvage” to “rebuilt,”  hire a trusted mechanic for a second opinion or Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI). Though there is an aspect of uncertainty to all used car sales, mechanics can identify hidden issues the DMV inspection might have overlooked and can give you greater peace of mind.

5. Don’t Pay Full Price

Rebuilt vehicles typically cost less than their clean-title counterparts. Use this to your advantage during negotiations, and avoid overpaying. Run an appraisal on the vehicle you are interested in through sites like Kelly Blue Book and use this information to ensure you don’t overpay. As a rule of thumb, rebuilt vehicles should be anywhere from 20 to 50% cheaper than clean title vehicles.

Trust Your Gut

Truth is, some cars really shouldn’t be on the road – rebuilt or otherwise. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to walk away. At ReVroom, our goal is to facilitate the most transparent and fair transactions of rebuilt title vehicles. So, while ReVroom is the best place to search, you  must stay vigilant and trust your instincts to make the best decisions. 

We encourage all of our sellers to provide the most information possible in listings so that buyers can make these decisions. If anything looks off about a listing on ReVroom, please email  our support team at support@revroom.org. 

Click here to start your search, and here to learn about the red flags of buying rebuilt.