How to Purchase Salvaged Cars in California

Buying a salvaged vehicle can be a great way to get a deal: you can buy a completely re-built car for much less than the market value of the same new car at a dealership. However, there may be some inherent problems with alignment or performance, and there is always a chance that some of the work was not done as well as it could have been. While buying a salvaged vehicle may imply some risk, it can also offer the reward of finding a great vehicle at a great price, as well as reviving and recycling what could have been 2,000 pounds of wasted metal.

Instructions

1

Find a local used-car dealership, salvage yard or repair shop that sells salvaged vehicles. If you have a favorite mechanic, he might be able to recommend one. Otherwise, you can look at Yardquest.com to find salvage yards and junk yards. Ask used auto dealerships if any of their vehicles are salvaged.

2

Ask the dealer if their salvaged car has a salvage certificate or a title. If it has a salvage certificate, the seller will have to exchange it at the DMV for a new registration title that says "Revived Vehicle," which will distinguish it from clean-titled vehicles.

3

Schedule an inspection at a local DMV or California Highway Patrol station to verify that all the parts in the restored vehicle were legally obtained. Bring the title and your receipt, or some proof of ownership of the vehicle.

4

Call local mechanics to find one certified to do a brake and light inspection and re-install the airbags in the vehicle, if necessary.

5

Get a smog test (emissions test) from a certified smog testing mechanic to prove the vehicle meets California standards.

6

Go to the DMV with the certificates from the previous tests and your title to change the name on the title to yours.