What Is a Branded Automobile Title?

When buying a used car, it is important to look at the vehicle's title and history. Certain information on a title--particularly how a car is branded--can tell a buyer a lot about the vehicle's past life and previous condition.

What is a Brand?

When referring to an automobile title, a brand is used to identify what commercial purposes a vehicle was previously used for, significant problems, and accident damage a vehicle might have incurred. There are six most common categories of branded titles: salvaged, original or prior taxi, original or prior police, non-USA, warranty return or lemon law buyback, and re-manufactured or reconstructed. Some states, such as California, use all of these titles, while others, such as Oregon, only brand cars as salvaged, reconstructed, or junked.

Salvaged

A car branded as salvaged, totaled, or junked has been damaged so badly it was deemed too expensive to fix. Although these cars may come at bargain prices, they may also lack necessary repairs to make them safe to drive.

Original and Prior Brandings

Original and prior taxi vehicles are automobiles previously used as taxis. Likewise, original and prior police vehicles were used as law enforcement cars in the past. The majority of these cars have high mileage, so it is important to take into account the estimated life left in the vehicle before purchasing.

Non-USA

A non-USA branding simply means that a vehicle was built for use and sale outside the United States but has been modified to meet U.S. safety and emissions standards.

Warranty Return

A warranty return or lemon law buyback is a vehicle returned to a manufacturer under laws that require the repair of certain vehicle problems under warranty. When these problems cannot be fixed to the consumer's satisfaction, the vehicle may be returned by the consumer and resold by the dealer as a warranty return or lemon law buyback vehicle.

Re-manufactured

A re-manufactured or reconstructed branding means that a vehicle has been built by a licensed manufacturer out of used or repaired parts. It also indicates that major parts have been rebuilt or restored such as the axle, frame, engine, or transmission. These cars may be sold under a unique brand name that does not reflect the vehicle origin of their components.