If you have always thought that salvage cars are meant to be
parted out before being crushed into cubes of metal for recycling, then
think again. Buying salvage cars is a viable option if you are well
informed on choosing one that can be made roadworthy, affordably.
However, the first thing that you need to know is that in New York, and
most other states for that matter, driving a vehicle with a "salvage"
title is illegal. You need to get it approved for a "rebuilt" or
"reconditioned" title by the DMV, before it can be made roadworthy.
A
salvaged or "totaled" car is one whose damage would cost more in
repairs than the car's worth. The New York DMV's regulation is that the
owner must get a car titled as salvaged if an accident or any other
cause led to damage that will cost more than 75% of its retail value in
repairs. The purpose of categorizing it as salvage is to serve as an
indication to future buyers of the car about its condition.
What are the salvage vehicle types inspected by the DMV?
If
you are looking to buy a salvaged vehicle in New York, it is important
to know the type of vehicles that are inspected in the state. With this
information, you will find it easier to sort through New York salvage
cars to get one that's repairable.
A salvage vehicle that's been
recovered after theft or a rebuild is examined by the New York DMV for
giving a new title. However, the DMV does not examine or provide title
certification for a rebuilt vehicle with an out-of-state certificate.
The vehicles with a Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) are also not given the
"rebuilt" or "reconditioned" title if they are labeled as one of the
following:
-
'Non-rebuildable'
-
'Scrapped'
-
'Parts only'
-
'Destroyed'
-
'Non-repairable'
As per the state's DMV, these vehicles are not roadworthy
in New York. If it comes to the knowledge of the DMV that a vehicle
registered recently has salvage history, the regulatory authority will
notify the customer to have their vehicle go through the appropriate
process. The owner of such a vehicle can register the vehicle only after
it has gone through the salvage examination process. Registration
follows the vehicle's certification as salvage.
Go online for convenience
Depending
on local car dealers for buying a salvaged car is a thing of the past.
Nowadays, you can use the convenient option of going online and
registering on a salvage auction site. These sites make it easy to buy
salvage titled cars in New York or any other state in the country. You
will just need to pay a refundable security deposit to start bidding on
cars. If your bid is the highest, the reps of the online auction try to
win the car at the live auction.
Mark Drouser is an auto-mobile engineer and a writer. He is very
enthusiastic car rider in his free time. The fascinating world of
automotive engineering inspires him to explore the utility of salvage
vehicles.