Buyer Protections: Title & History You Must Check

 Protecting your investment means knowing the vehicle's background. Here’s how to avoid scams tied to a car’s title and history.


1. Salvage Titles: Risks & Realities

  • A salvage title indicates a vehicle was seriously damaged and deemed a total loss by insurance. Such cars are typically worth 65–75% less than a comparable used vehicle without this mark Wikipedia.

  • Even if restored and passing state inspection, the rebuild or salvage title stays on record, affecting future resale and insurance. In some states, title branding may even be washed away by changing jurisdictions—this is known as "title washing" and can mislead unsuspecting buyers Wikipedia.

2. Odometer Fraud: Mileage Lies

  • Rolling back the odometer (also called "clocking") remains a serious crime. The U.S. Department of Transportation found that up to 450,000 vehicles per year are sold with tampered mileage, costing buyers more than $1 billion annually Wikipedia.

  • Warning signs include wear on pedals, carpets, or mismatched recorded mileage. Always check a vehicle history report and, if possible, contact previous owners Wikipedia.

3. Vehicle History Reports: Your Best Ally

  • The Federal Trade Commission recommends that buyers examine a dealer’s reputation and always request a vehicle history report Wikipedia.

  • These reports track ownership transfers, title branding, odometer issues, maintenance records, and recall repairs—based on the car's VIN Wikipedia.

  • Relying on reputable providers (such as those approved by NMVTIS) ensures you’re getting complete and accurate history—some dealerships include these reports for free to build trust 

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