Red Flags When Buying Rebuilt Cars in 2024

When done safely, buying a rebuilt title vehicle can be a good choice, but it’s essential to know what to avoid. Here are the top red flags to watch out for as you search for your next rebuilt vehicle:

1. Seller Won’t Provide the VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a key to understanding a car’s history. If a seller refuses to provide it, they may be hiding something, such as undisclosed damage or poor repairs. Always walk away if the VIN is incomplete, inaccurate, or unavailable. On ReVroom, VIN numbers are required for any seller to list on the platform.

2. Frame Damage

Structural damage is one of the most serious risks when buying a rebuilt car. Even after repairs, vehicles with significant frame damage may not perform safely. Running a complete VIN report or having the vehicle suspended and inspected can reveal any undisclosed frame damage. In general, we strongly advise against purchasing vehicles with frame damage. On ReVroom, reporting frame damage is required and displayed prominently. 

3. Airbags Missing or Improperly Replaced

If airbags were deployed in an accident, they should have been replaced with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Airbag deployment helps indicate the severity of any accident a vehicle is involved in and aftermarket or improperly installed airbags are a major safety concern. On ReVroom, reporting airbag deployment history is required and displayed prominently. 

4. Shoddy Repair Work

Look out for poorly done repairs, like excessive use of bondo (body filler) to cover dents or sub-par paint jobs. Bondo is a light grey substance that is not magnetic and should not be used to fix large portions of a vehicle’s body. Use a magnet to test repair areas for excessive fillers. If it’s Bondo, the magnet won’t stick. This matters because repairs that don’t use OEM parts or cut corners in quality may lead to issues in the future.

Trust Your Instincts

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, everyone must stay vigilant and trust their 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.