What is Salvage title? How to articles Buyer Tips

How to Find Great Salvage Cars for Sale

By Mike Richards Updated: 07/26/2022 Posted: 06/23/2017

As you may have heard, salvage cars are just about the most affordable you’re ever going to find. You may have also heard that this is because they’re damaged beyond repair. The truth, though, is that you can actually find some really great salvage cars at low prices if you follow the advice below.

Try to Buy from a Dealer

Ideally, you only want to consider salvage cars for sale from dealers. That’s because these automobiles will all come with vehicle reports. Many of them may not even be in too terrible shape.

If you don’t have any salvage cars for sale from dealers in your area, it’s not the end of the world. You can still find a great car; it’s just that it’s much easier when working with a dealer.

Don’t Let Repairs Scare You Too Much

If we’re talking about the type of damage that destroyed the engine and broke the drivetrain, fine. Get scared. Be so scared that you run away and never consider that vehicle. Those are the types of salvage cars that give the rest bad names. However, there are all kinds of other forms of damage that shouldn’t bother you. Yes, it will mean having to pay for repairs, but even with that cost added on, the total price may still be very cheap.

The secret is to do your research beforehand and get a sense for what the mechanics in your area charge for certain types of damage. If you can, bring along a friend who knows a lot about cars so they can help.

Never Get into a Bidding War

Many salvage cars for sale are actually sold at auctions. These can be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to score a fantastic vehicle at a very affordable price.

Unfortunately, they can also end with you owning a vehicle you actually didn’t want that much, especially not for what you paid. This is what happens when you get caught up in a bidding war. Don’t let it happen. Have a budget and stick to it. No matter how badly you want a vehicle, once the price goes north of what you committed to spending, walk away.

Use Common Sense

Finally, salvage cars are never going to be perfect. Set your expectations accordingly. If you see a car that clearly looks too good to be true, it is. Keep looking. You’ll find something actually worth paying for.

If you’re still a bit unsure about how to find great salvage cars, that’s completely understandable. After all, this is a very big decision, both in terms of money and that you need a reliable vehicle to get around. That’s why so many people come to us.

At Auto Auction Mall, we review online vehicle auctions representing more than 200,000 models all over the country. You pick the max price and tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll handle the bidding. You can even watch from your screen.

Let us do all the work and you’ll soon have a very affordable vehicle you’re ecstatic about owning.

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