salvaged titles... How easy is it to get one?

[GeorgeG.]

what's the process for someone applying for a salvage title? Does a repaired vehicle have to go through some inspection process before they get issued a rebuilt title? Or can any shade tree mechanic fix a vehicle however they please and re-title it?

[JC316]

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/salvaged-vehicles.php

Last time I checked, anyone can rebuild it, so long as it passes state inspection. There is a form in the above link.

[snacksnack]

It's easy

[4king]

Just has to pass state inspection

[GeorgeG.]

what does something like this mean? Look at the title #'s for both entries in red. They're different numbers. I'm not sure what that means. Were there two attempts to title this vehicle?

[JC316]

what does something like this mean? Look at the title #'s for both entries in red. They're different numbers. I'm not sure what that means. Were there two attempts to title this vehicle?

Looks like the owner flipped it.

[Gargamel]

Am I the only one who originally read the title as "Salvaged Titties"?

[GeorgeG.]

Is there an easy way to tell if the car has the original engine/transmission? I wasn't sure if the mfg's are placing VIN tags on the engines/trans like they do with body panels.

I'm looking for cars in the 90k range and I want to make sure the engine hasn't been swapped out.

[GeorgeG.]

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/salvaged-vehicles.php

Last time I checked, anyone can rebuild it, so long as it passes state inspection. There is a form in the above link.

Thanks for the link!

For anyone that has gone through a salvage purchase, help me understand this correctly....

copy/past from the above link

Application Procedures
Certificates of Title branded “Rebuilt Salvage”
Once a nonrepairable (if applicable) or salvage motor vehicle has been rebuilt, the
owner (licensed salvage vehicle dealers excluded) must apply for a new original
Texas Certificate of Title branded “Rebuilt Salvage” prior to further transfer of
ownership.
Note: If rebuilt by a licensed salvage vehicle dealer, the dealer must provide
their buyer with the properly assigned salvage ownership document
and a Rebuilt Affidavit (Form VTR-61) completed by the rebuilder if
component parts were used.
Place of Application
The owner must file an Application for Texas Certificate of Title, Form 130-U for a
new original Texas Certificate of Title branded “Rebuilt Salvage” with the County
Tax Assessor-Collector's Office in the county in which they reside, or where the
vehicle was purchased or encumbered.

What should I be expecting from the seller? An actual title that says "Rebuilt Salvage" or this form VTR-61? If I'm given the VTR-61, is there still a possibility that the tax assessor office will not issue a new title to me?

[Denny]

Am I the only one who originally read the title as "Salvaged Titties"?

Yes

[JC316]

What should I be expecting from the seller? An actual title that says "Rebuilt Salvage" or this form VTR-61? If I'm given the VTR-61, is there still a possibility that the tax assessor office will not issue a new title to me?

Depends on what he did. If it's already rebuilt, then you're good to go and it will be a blue title with "Rebuilt" in the top right side of it. If it's not, then you will have to have that form and when you get it titled, it will come back as the blue rebuilt title.

[GeorgeG.]

Well crap... I may have to rethink going this route.

I just called on a dodge avenger, salvage title, etc. While I was asking questions, she mentioned it was in a front end collision. I asked about the air bags. She confirmed they were deployed and were not replaced as part of the repair (they do the repairs). WTF?!?! I thought it was against the law to sell a vehicle if the SRS is inoperable?

Now I'm wondering how many of the salvaged cars on CL were repaired this way. Obviously if the SRS light is on it'll steer me away but what if they rig it up to not be on with the SRS system not working...

[4king]

My civic comes up as salvage/rebuilt any time I renew the registration. I have not had any problems getting it registered or inspected or even insured