Any tips? Am I crazy to think about doing this?

 

We gotta know where you're located. Each state in USA seems to have different rules regarding what those titles mean. Probably the same story for other countries too.

 

Sorry. Am located in Oregon. And it is a story you hear frequently with these cars - they got it when it had 8k miles and they bought it with the recon title. they have put 25k trouble free miles on it. they want to move up to a larger car for growing family and seem like credible people. they have taken care of the car. it is an '07 or '08 Accord (don't have ad handy). They want to sell it for $12,500. I have spoken to several people at work who have bought recon title cars and have had no issues with them. Somebody suggested not paying more on it than my credit union will load me on a recon titled car (if they even will). Sometimes that is only 75% of the value of a Kelly Blue Book value.

 

Usually major damage (collision) is the reason for that kind of title. If the collision happened when the car was very new, and repaired PROPERLY, then it should be OK.

Problem is, how do you convince yourself the repair was done PROPERLY? I guess if you believe the sellers story that they've had it for 25k miles, then a bad repair should have raised a problem before now.

OTOH, it might be that the recon title will void the long-term warranties, like the 5-year rust warranty, or the 8-year emmissions warranty, or the "lifetime" seatbelt warranty.

Disclaimer - I know basically nothing about car-title law in Oregon or any state for that matter. Just wanted your location in case someone chimes in who actually knows the law.

 

I would have it looked over well by a mechanic you trust, and if he thinks its ok than it probably is. I would also try to find out what the recon title is for, if its for an accident, and you know where the car was hit it will be easier to tell if it was fixed well.

If it was say in a flood than the electrical will probably never be the same no matter what is done.