What it means
A car is a total loss when the insurer determines repairing it costs more than its value. These (salvage) vehicles are sometimes rebuilt and return to the market with an insurer re-invoice.
Why it matters
A rebuilt car can hide structural damage that compromises safety, and its resale value is far lower. The seller should disclose it; not all do.
What to check
- Be suspicious of prices far below market and of insurer re-invoices.
- Check paint uniformity, panel gaps, and welds in the engine bay.
- Ask directly whether the car was in a major accident and get the answer in writing.
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