how much does a salvage title devalue?

[lsukevinc]

I found a 76 LUBR at an online auction site with a salvaged title. The majority of the front clip will have to be replaced. If the repair is done right, how much do you think the salvage title will hurt the final value of the Bronco after all necessary repairs are done?

 

[BRONCOchild]

This is a great question. Back then a salvage title meant that the car was in a major wreck. However, now a vehicle can have a salvage title because the damage cost more to fix than the actual value of the car. It's just easier for the insurance company.

In your case, the value or devalue is all in the details. If it's restored to great specs, then I don't see why a salvage title would really change the price much. It would be different if we were talking about a late model vehicle. But a bronco, or any vehicle from '79 or older, then it doesn't really matter.

 

[71Broncitis]

^^^ I could concur

Many awesome Broncos are built from pieces. Documentation of your build and the quality of components and workmanship will matter much more than a salvage title.


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[DirtDonk]

Even in the modern era cars, the Kelly Blue Book only lists a salvage title as having an average of a $500 effect on the bottom line.
On an EB? None to practically none.

Now, as people get pickier and pickier and original restorations, or just survivor originals start going for consistently more stupid money than they do now, all bets are off.
As always, it depends on the buyer. The person looking for a fun vehicle for the family to bob around town in and perhaps gain a little value over the years? No difference.
The person looking strictly for an investment to sit under a cover in a shed and hope to make a killing on someday? Sure, I bet a salvage title would likely be a big deal. Maybe even a deal breaker for that type of buyer.
But again, for the average Bronco buyer, nothing at all but a little twitch. Before writing the check.

Paul

 

[dsoper1649]

Check with the insurance company you will be using. Many companies will not insure a salvage.

 

[DirtDonk]

Good point. I'm dealing with that now.
Not that I couldn't find insurance for my 2004 Buick with salvage title, but that the original insurance company that told me they would NOT cover it, put it on their rolls anyway.
The stupid thing is that it actually took me awhile to notice because my insurance is so stupid cheap for the other two trucks, I thought they simply raised my premiums on me a few bucks!

Since I'm so used to that kind of thing, and so easily sidetracked with other stuff (like the internet!) I didn't say anything for quite awhile.
The good news is that they said no problem. Just show us proof of insurance from the other company and they'll write a check. I said WTF? Why do I need proof that some other company was covering it when you said you would not cover it in the first place!
I wonder what they would have done had I made a claim?

Oh well, getting it dealt with. Just another hassle of modern life when they try to sneak one over on you. And succeed!%)

Paul

 

[hyghlndr]

I think a salvage title does de-value it in people's mind (stigma), insuring it can be challenging and even licensing it can be tough in some states.

 

[71Broncitis]

However, it could have an impact if trying to do a concours quality original restoration as opposed to a document survivor that had a cosmetic restoration. Provenance matters much more with many of these types of buyers.

On trail rigs, restomods, nope.

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[71Broncitis]

Ha, missed that Paul hit on that above, so I concur with him too.

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[Mattco]

Check with the insurance company you will be using. Many companies will not insure a salvage.

This is the big thing to deal with. In Alabama, I can't even get a title for mine so a salvage title wouldn't have any effect for me, I could just tear it up and dole out a Bill of Sale.

I would think that a salvage title on a vehicle that is older than 25 years old would mean nothing.


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[Slowleak]

In Georgia, it would make no difference to my insurance company. Titles are not required on older vehicles

There is the stigma thing which bothers some people but, there are lots of rust buckets on the road, with clean titles, that are unsafe to drive. It would not change the value in my mind unless I was shopping for a true original survivor.

 

[lsukevinc]

Some good points guys. Thanks a lot. I will Check on the insurance that could be a deal breaker

 

[Broncobowsher]

Regarding resale value, even if someone doesn't consider it to devalue the vehicle it will still shrink the pool of buyers. Some people won't care, others won't even look at it. Didn't change the value, but did change the buyer pool.

 

[andyp]

All things being equal there I think the truck with the salvage title is worth less to most potential buyers.

 

[BajaFresh75]

TIME OUT!!!! Why does it have a salvage title? Once we know we can better answer your question.
Although I agree with most of what's already been said.

 

[67686977]

Kansas gave me one. Put running gear out of a '77 into a '69. Had it almost completed when I called the trooper to inspect it to get tags. He seemed interested in the bronco and what all I had done to it. I told him and after he was done with the paperwork. BAM, hits me with a salvage title. He says that I was combining two vehicles, thus the salvage title. I tried to fight it, but with no luck. Doesn't bother me other than I cannot insure it for what I have in it.

 

[73azbronco]

There is a difference between a salvage and a rebuilt title/


https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-a-used-car-whats-a-rebuilt-title-236599

 

[bigpitbull]

I would have to look the Bronco over in person and know why the title is salvaged... then at that point I could make an educated decision on whether the vehicle was "fixed" correctly or just a polished turd.

 

[nickgp]

Beware, some insurance companies will not provide full coverage.

 

[Lhofkamp]

I would advise against this. Most people on this forum are pretty reasonable however your buyer may not be. If you are making. A trail rig by all means it makes sense but if you aren't looking to lose your ass stay away from salvage.