If you were going to spend $6-8000 on a car, what would you get?

[GGD]

Found this article while searching, interesting insight but may vary from state to state. Seems that Rebuilt is a Salvage vehicle that can now be registered and driven, but the process that gets the status changed is mainly looking to see that it has all of it's parts and they're not stolen. It does not verify that it's safe or driveable.

http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/why-you-do...1653320003

You buy a Salvage vehicle and do what needs to be done to rebuild it. Replace missing or damaged parts. Straighten the metal which can be fixed, maybe unbend the frame a bit. Replace broken window glass. You consider the car fixed. You call an inspector like Trooper Swanson and arrange for the car to be inspected. The fee is $100, set by the state. You bring the car to the appointment (but don't drive it there) and Swanson spends an hour or two looking it over.

Swanson inspects your paperwork. You must fill out a form (TR-13A) which lists the parts which have been replaced and repaired. Replaced parts must be accompanied by paperwork proving where the parts came from and when they were acquired. The entity which did the repairs must also be disclosed. Swanson will review the paperwork and the car to make sure everything is legit. He will also ask to see the receipts for the parts which were put onto the vehicle. If parts bear VINs, he will check those out as well. Don't be surprised to see him climb under the car to look at a VIN. What is he looking for?

"I'm not there to see if the car is safe to drive. All I'm doing, basically, is facilitating an inspection that shows that the parts that are on it aren't stolen."

The car is not inspected for roadworthiness, rebuild quality, or to see if it is "back to normal." The inspector is looking at the car to confirm that it is complete (for the most part) and that none of the parts on it – which can be traced – are stolen. And as for completeness, the inspector is looking at the obvious stuff: all of the windows, body panels and then some basic systems like headlights, tail and brake lights, horn, windshield wipers and the exhaust.

The exhaust is interesting because it is the only system the inspector checks which requires the engine to be fired up. The inspector will ask to hear the car run to be sure the car is not too loud but the car will not be driven by the inspector.

But is it safe to drive? The inspector does NOT rule on that. The car could still have a bad transmission, a funky electrical system, missing airbags, or a bent frame. But, it will be certified as "Rebuilt Salvage" and the owner can now obtain a title for the car which will allow for a registration and license plate for the car. The owner can then drive the car or sell it.

I asked Trooper Swanson what he would recommend someone do if they are considering the purchase of a Rebuilt Salvage vehicle. "If you know a good mechanic, or maybe a good bodyshop, your best course of action is to have someone fully look at that car and do a thorough inspection, make sure everything is in good working order." The key word there is everything.