The short one size fits all answer is: they're hacked together, you will have nightmares down the road and they're harder to resell since they have such a stigma attached to them and they frighten most buyers.
The thoughtful answer is this: It all depends on why it was totaled in the first place. Since cars are totaled when repair costs exceed 50-75% of the car's value (depending on what state you're in), an older car can be totaled for simply cosmetic reasons since they're worth less and easily totaled - even $2k in body work will total an otherwise mechanically sound older car like a '95 Volvo or Honda . Now a newer car that's been totaled is a problem since it could have sustained over $15k in damages and that's major. It all boils down to why it was totaled, are there before and after pictures and are the repairs top notch.
If it's been totaled due to flood damage RUN! These are problematic cars that are not easily restored and may have a lifetime of quirky electrical problems.
Buying a reconstructed car is no different than buying any used car. Do a Carfax, get a pre-purchase inspection, make sure the frame's straight and if it all checks out and you like the car buy it BUT don't pay more than 60% of the value of a comparable car with a clean title since that's all it's worth and plan on keeping it for a while to get your money's worth out of it since resale is harder. And contrary to all the bull you hear, you can get insurance on it from most companies but since it's worth less they will pay out less if it's totaled again or stolen so don't pay too much for it! I own a reconstructed car presently and it's the best car I've ever owned and I only paid $1800 for it and spent another $1000 to bring it up to top notch mechanical standards (major tune up, new belts and hoses, rear brakes). A great deal and it looks and drives fine with no problems at all, so if it's a good car that checks out I can think of no disadvantages to buying such a car!
The naysayers will disagree of course, but do your homework, be smart and save some moolah.
My vehicle was totaled according to the insurance company. I cannot collect any money from the ins co unless I have a reconstructed title. How can I get a reconstructed car title
Why does this car have a reconstructed title?
If by reconstructed title you are referring to a vehicle that had a prior salvage title, I would think you could, contact an agent in your area. == Absolutely! No problem whatsoever. Keep in mind that a reconstructed car is worth roughly 60% of the value of a similar car with a clean title so if you total the car you will get less than real market value but hopefully you paid less for the car so it won't matter.
depends on where you live, if you live in NY then you need to transfer the title to a NY salvage title. Then, you can apply for a reconstructed title there. Here in NJ, dont have a "reconstructed title". you have to apply for a salvage inspection so that theyll give you a clear title.
no, once it has a reconstructed title it will always be...
Nope. Not legally anyway. The best you can do is totaled/reconstructed' if the car is roadworthy. Once issued a salvage title a car can never be issued a clean title legitimately.
60% of the value of a comparable clean titled car.
40% LESS than a comparable clean titled car
A branded car title is when a car has been totalled, or had significant damage, such as fire damage or flood damage. Also if the car has been almost completely reconstructed. There is almost no resale value left in a branded car so keep this in mind when purchasing a branded car. Don't buy a branded car for kbb value, they are worth practically nil and should be considered carefully before purchasing as they may need a lot of repairs and maintenance compared to a comparable non-branded car.2013 toyota corolla
Once a salvage always a salvage or totaled/reconstructed; you cannot legally get a clear title the brand will remain. A reconstructed and roadworthy salvage car is worth 60% of the value of a comparable clean titled car. If it's still salvage maybe 25% of the value of a comparable clean titled car.
One of the disadvantages of purchasing or buying a car from the auctions is that you never know what you are getting. I mean by that how good of condition the car itself is under the hood. You only get a view on the outside of the vehicle. There are some advantages of buying a car from an auction as well.
Only if the purchaser is ok with it.